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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



GUIDE BOOK TO ¥ESf 'POINT 

ANQ. 

VIOIMTITY; 

CONTAINING 

DESCRIPTIYE, HISTORICAL, AND STATISTICAL 
SKETCHES 

OF THE 

UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY, 

AND OF OTHER OBJECTS OF INTEREST. 




KOSCIUSZKO'S MONUMENT. 
* 

NEW YORK: 
PUBLISHED BY J. H. COLTON, No. 86 CEDAR ST. 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1844, 

By J. H. COLTON, 
n the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United- 
States for the Southern District of New York. 



■-* I 



H.^^' 






TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

Page. 
Preface ------.. 3 

CHAPTER I. 
Arrival — ^Walk to the Hotel — ^View from the 

Hotel ._. 7 

CHAPTER 11. 
Walk around the plain — Wood's Monument- 
Buildings — KosciuszKo's Garden — Constitution 
Island — Kosciuszko's Monu3ient — Camp Town - 10 

CHAPTER HI. 

Amusements — Military Display — Music — Dancing 

— Striking Tents, &c. ----- 16 

CHAPTER IV. 

The Library - -19 

CHAPTER V. 
Philosophical and Astronomical Rooms - - 22 

CHAPTER VI. 
The Chapel ---_--. 24 

CHAPTER VII. 

The Academy — Engineering Hall — Mineral Cab- 
inet — Painting and Sculpture Galleries - 26 

CHAPTER VIII 

The Hospitai. --29 

CHAPTER IX. 

The Cemetery -------30 

CHAPTER X. 
The Artillery Laboratory — The large chain, 

and other relics ------ 32 

CHAPTER XL 
Fort Putnam — View — Poetry from Scott - - 35 

CHAPTER XIL 
Crow's Nest ------« 40 

. f. 1* 



yi CONTENTS. 

Page. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Klnsley's Classical axd IMathematical School 42 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Buttermilk Falls _ . - - - _ 47 

CHAPTER XV. 

Cold Spring. West Point Foundry - - - 49 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Beverly House. View from Sugar Loaf - - 50 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Military Acadeimy ; Admission ; Course of In- 
struction ; Examinations ; Graduation ; Leaves 
of absence ; Uniform ; Discipline - - - 57 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Dress Parade - - - - - - - 71 

CHAPTER XIX. 
Arnold and Andre ------ 75 

CHAPTER XX. 

KosciuszKo --------84 

CHAPTER XXL 

History of West Point ----- 66 

CHAPTER XXII. 

History of the Military Academy, and its pres- 
ent CONDITION -------90 

CHAPTER XXIIL 

Statistics of Graduates ----- 98 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

Statistics of Expenditures - - - - - 100 

CHAPTER XXV. 

Officers at West Point - - - - - 102 

CHAPTER XXVL 

Synopsis of the Course of Studies - - 105 

CHAPTER XXVIL 
Different opinions concerning the Academy - - 107 



PREFACE. 



In preparing this volume for publication, the 
attempt has been made not only to point out 
such objects at West Point as deserve the at- 
tention of every visiter, but also to present for 
preservation such information concerning them 
as may be desirable for subsequent reference. 
The book is intended to supply a deficiency 
which has hitherto existed, and proved a se- 
rious inconvenience to strangers, and especially 
to those whose visits have been limited to a 
few hours. They may here learn what is to 
be seen and at what moments, and may so 
regulate their plans as to accomplish the most 
in the shortest time. 

The sources, from which these materials 
have been derived, are various. Much, of 
course, is the result of observation. Congres- 
sional documents and other papers, not easy 
of reference, have been examined, and have 



IV PREFACE. 

contributed somewhat to the contents. Other 
works have been consulted, and when neces- 
sary quoted, and dUigent care has been taken 
to have every statement correct. 

To all who have extended to him their as- 
sistance and encouragement, the author returns 
his sincere thanks, with the hope that they 
will derive satisfaction from the accomplish- 
ment of his plans. Being unconnected with 
the Military Academy, and having no partial 
interests to serve, the writer wishes to be re- 
garded simply as a " looker on in Venice." If 
others receive as much pleasure in the perusal, 
as he has done in the preparation of the book, 
he will have no cause to complain. 

West Point, July^ 1844. 



GUIDE BOOK TO WEST POINT. 



CHAPTER I. 

ARRIVAL WALK TO THE HOTEL VIEW FROM THE 

HOTEL. 

In landing at West Point the first thing 
attracting attention is the perfect order and 
regularity that prevail. There is no tumult, 
no boisterous shout, and no annoying crowd. 
All is quiet and decorum. 

A guard is stationed at the wharf, and it 
was formerly the custom to take the names of 
all gentlemen arriving at and leaving the post, 
in order that the commandant might be imme- 
diately informed of the arrival and departure 
of visiters and officers. It happens not unfre- 
quently that an officer of distinction is received 
with a salute and with other military honors 
suited to his rank. 

The small building near the wharf is open 
to all, and is designed for the accommodation 
of any who may be detained in awaiting the 
arrival of the boats. An omnibus will be found 



8 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

ready to convey passengers to the hotel, or to 
any other part of the Point, at a moderate 
charge. Many, however, prefer to send up 
their higgage, and chmb the hill on foot. Such 
may follow the omnibus in its winding course, 
or take a more direct foot-path which goes im- 
mediately up the hill. Another path on the 
left, following the bank of the river, affords a 
pleasant walk, but it might lead one too far 
astray. 

The hotel, though at some considerable dis- 
tance from any other building, occupies perhaps 
the finest situation on the plain. It stands at 
an elevation of about one hundred and sixty 
feet, upon the brow of the hill, overlooking the 
river. Around it extends a large plain, in the 
north-east corner of which are the ruins of 
Fort Clinton. Near these is the encampment 
ground, where the cadets spend eight or ten 
weeks of the summer in their tents. The south 
side of the plain is bounded by the most impor- 
tant public buildings, and on the west are 
located the residences of the superintendent 
and other officers. The nearest of the chain 
of hills encircling the plain is Mount Independ- 
ence, which rises in majestic grandeur, bearing 
upon its summit the crumbling masonry of 
Fort Putnam. 

Above West Point, the river forms, appa- 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. \f 

rently, a beautiful lake, at the northern ex- 
tremity of which, some eight miles distant, 
stands the goodly town of Nevvburgh. The 
whole distance is enlivened and beautified with 
the sails of numerous vessels, while on either 
side are steep and lofty hills, forming the door- 
posts, as it were, of this broad avenue. On 
the side hill, west of the hotel, is seen the Artil- 
lery Laboratory, a stone building with turrets 
and battlements, presenting a warlike appear- 
ance, though on a small scale. Beyond this 
is the village of Camp Town, comprising the 
barracks of the soldiers, and some other build- 
ings, — and still farther, on a level with the 
plain, the monuments of the Cemetery may be 
distinguished among the trees. 

After this general description of the view 
from the hotel, it is our purpose to notice more 
particularly the walks and buildings in the 
vicinity, and we think it will be seen that 
"every spot around the Mihtary Seminary 
serves to recall glorious names, and deeds of 
renowned enterprise ; and consequently that 
none more favorable for the education of those 
who are to sustain the renown which their an- 
cestors won by their bravery and their blood, 
could have been selected." * 

* Hudson River Portfolio. 



10 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 



CHAPTER II. 

WALK AROUND THE PLAIN — WOOd's MONUMENT- 
BUILDINGS — KOSC lUSZKO's GARDEN — CONSTITUTION 
ISLAND — KOSCIUSZKO'S MONUMENT — CAMP TOWN. 

We will suppose ourselves to be walking 
from the hotel round the plain, to gather such 
scraps of information as are to be found in 
passing. As we proceed in this circuitous path 
toward the flag-staff, we may notice a tall 
wooden box, corresponding to the sentry-boxes 
represented in pictures. It is designed for the 
sa'fe keeping of the flag. Near by stands a 
cannon, (except during the encampment, when 
it is removed to a place nearer the tents,) 
which is fired at 5 A. M. and at sunset, as the 
morning and evening gun. Here too are sta- 
tioned four or five mortars, for throwing shells 
and fire balls at a target within the limits of 
Fort Clinton. 

Just before us on a little hillock, amid a. 
grove of trees, stands a chaste obelisk, which 
attracts us from our course. It bears these in- 
scriptions : 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 11 

To the Memory 

of 

Lieut. Colonel E. D. Wood, 

of the 

Corps of Engineers, 

who fell 

while leading a Charge 

at the 

Sortie of Fort Erie, 

Upper Canada, 

17th September, 1814, 

in the 31st year of his 

Age. 

He was 

Exemplary as a Christian 

and 

Distinguished as a Soldier, 

A Pupil 

of 

This Institution, 

he died 

an Honour 

to 

His Country. 

This Memorial 

was erected 

by his Friend and Commander;, 

Major General Jacob Brown. 



12 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

A brave soldier that, who saUied forth from 
the fort to attack the British on their own 
ground, and fell at the moment of victory. 

Resuming our walk, we find at the corner 
of the plain three roads beside that from the 
hotel ; the one on the right leading down the 
hill to Camp Town and to the wharf; the 
next (known as the Canterbury road) going 
towards the " West gate," and thence to Fort 
Putnam, the Cemetery, and Crow's Nest ; 
Avhile that on the left will take us round the 
plain. 

We notice on our right, in passing, the build- 
ings occupied by some of the officers of the In- 
stitution, with gardens adjoining them, the 
arrangement of Avhich evinces much taste. 
The second house is occupied by the superin- 
tendent, Major Delafield, to whose skill the 
place is indebted for much of its beauty. 

We turn suddenly to the left, around the 
Mess Hall of the Cadets, a low building, not 
remarkable in its appearance. The vacant 
space between this building and the next was 
once occupied by an edifice called the Acad- 
emy, which was erected about the year 1815, 
and destroyed by fire in 1838. 

The lot on the right is designed for the erec- 
tion of new barracks, whenever Congress may 
make appropriations sufficient for their erection. 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 13 

The South Barrack is the next building on 
the left, and at right angles to this stands the 
North Barrack. The former has been built 
about thirty years, and is very poorly adapted 
to the necessities of the Institution. Its con- 
struction is such as to expose its inmates to 
great inconveniences, and to sickness ; and 
both of the buildings occupy a part of the plain 
which should be laid open for military opera- 
tions. It will add much to the advantages of 
the Institution and to the appearance of the 
place, if these two buildings and the Mess Hall 
are removed from their present localities, and a 
new building is erected, sufficient to contain 
all the Cadets, better adapted to the preserva- 
tion of a strict police, with proper apparatus 
for warmth and ventilation, and in a style of 
architecture suited to modern views of improve- 
ment. 

On our right is seen the north end of the 
Academy, a commodious stone edifice, 275 feet 
long, and 75 feet broad, with three stories and 
a basement, — completed in 1838, and contain- 
ing a number of rooms for academical purposes. 
This we design to notice on a subsequent page. 

Then comes a road branching off to the 
south, in the direction of the Hospital, Kinsley's 
School, and Buttermilk Falls. 

Next on our right is the Chapel, and beyond 

2 



14 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

that the Philosophical and Library building", 
with a dome and mural towers for astronomi- 
cal observations. 

Our road now passes on to the brow of the 
hill, from which we may descend by the first 
foot-path to Kosciuszko's Garden. This was 
the favourite resort of that officer, while sta- 
tioned here as an engineer, in the revolutionary 
war ; and it is said that the ruins of a fountain 
constructed by him, were discovered and re- 
paired in 1802. It is now a romantic spot, 
and its beauty is increased by a little jet of 
water thrown up some eight or ten feet. Seats 
have been provided for the weary, on which 
are enrolled the names of many who have ob- 
tained a brief hnmortality, by visiting this gar- 
den. A strange propensity some have for thus 
mutilating every thing of public interest within 
their reach. How unfortunate for them that 
the material most readily adapted to their pur- 
poses is not subject to petrifaction ! 

The path continues along the bank of the 
river, passing a battery of considerable size, 
the walls and embankments of which, are 
pretty well preserved. We may here ascend 
to the plain and walk through the ruins of 
Fort Clinton to Kosciuszko's Monument, (a 
place by all means to be visited,) or retain our 
former path, the appearance of which is very 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 15 

inviting. By this we come to Gee's Point, a 
projection at tlie very bend of the river, on 
which are the ruins of a small battery. This 
was important for the defence of a huge iron 
chain, more than 1400 feet long, that was ex- 
tended across the river in 1780, to the bluff on 
the opposite side, called Constitution Island.* 
The design was to prevent the enemy's ships 
from passing above this point, but, we believe, 
there is no mention of their attempting to force 
their way beyond it.— By looking up the hill 
we may see to good advantage the monument, 
which has a very conspicuous position. 

In turning from this point, the path leads us 
along the bank to the steamboat landing, but 
we shall find a branch from it going up the 
hill, towards the hotel. Following this, we 
must take another opportunity to go round to 
Fort CUnton, survey the works that exist there, 
and visit the monument. It bears simply the 
name Kosciuszko on one side, and on the 
other " Erected by the corps of Cadets, 1828." 
A brief sketch of this hero's life, we shall give 
on another page. The monument and the 
walks around were completed in 1829, at the 
expense of about $5000. 

* This island, which contains some ruins of interest, te 
I'asily visited by means of the ferry boats. 



16 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

A pleasant road passes through Camp Town, 
but there is nothing particularly attractive in 
the appearance of the village. It is inhabited 
chiefly by private soldiers, and by laborers con- 
nected with the Academy. It contains the 
barracks of the musicians and soldiers, the 
magazine, a number of mechanics' shops, and 
tlie cavalry stables. The number of persons 
residing on the post is nine or ten hundred. 



CHAPTER III. 

AMUSEMENTS — MILITARY DISPLAY — MUSIC — DANCING 
— STRIKING TENTS, &C. 

The stranger at West Point will find it 
pleasant to witness such miUtary displays as 
are made from time to time, to visit some of 
the public buildings, and to see other places in 
the vicinity of the Academy worthy of notice 
either for their own sake, or for associations 
connected with them. 

The daily morning parade at 8 A. M., 
during the encampment, and the evening pa- 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 17 

racle at sunset, are ceremonies in which the 
whole corps of Cadets participate. The morn- 
ing parade is followed by the guard mount 
ing, and beside these exercises, there are daily 
drills in artillery, infantry or cavalry tactics, 
occurring at various hours. Occasionally the 
day is devoted to a review of the Cadets in the 
presence of strangers of military rank. 

In the evening, three times a week, the ex- 
cellent band connected with the corps, are sta- 
tioned on the plain to play for the benefit of 
all who choose to listen. The music is of the 
first order, and is well regarded as one of the 
chief attractions of the place. In the winter 
concerts are sometimes given by a full or- 
chestra. 

The Cadets have dancing parties in the 
halls of the academy frequently during the 
summer, to which very general invitations are 
given. It has also been customary for them to 
have one or two balls during the encampment, 
which have been managed in the finest style. 

Sometimes very fine displays of rockets and 
other fire works, prepared by the Cadets, may 
be seen in the evening. 

Another common amusement of the Cadets 

for the evening, which attracts much attention, 

is the stag dance^ performed in the open air. 

Large numbers of candles are placed on the 

t 2* 



18 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

ground, in two rows, several feet apart. The 
space between is occupied by the dancers, who 
move to the sound of fife and drum, or of the 
viohn, in regular time, but with every variety 
of posture. The ludicrous positions assumed, 
and the enthusiasm manifested in the sport at- 
tract crowds of spectators, who are greatly di- 
verted with the entertainment. At the sound 
of the tattoo, the lights are suddenly ex- 
tinguished, and in a few moments the place is 
completely deserted. 

The ceremony of striking the tents at the 
close of the encampment, in the latter part of 
August, is one looked forward to with interest, 
as a sight well worth seeing. 

The Cadets have no literary exhibitions, nor 
is there at present among them any literary so- 
ciety for improvement in debate and composi- 
tion. 

Other sights of interest will be mentioned in 
order. The hbrary is open throughout the 
day. Access to the philosophical, astronomical 
and painting rooms, as a general thing, can 
be obtained only by application to the Profes- 
sors, in whose department they belong, either 
directly or by means of some officer. 

The fost office is in the first story of the 
north barrack, in the end nearest the hotel. 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 



19 



CHAPTER IV. 



THE LIBRARY. 



The entrance to the Library is by the east 
door of the Philosophical Building. The hall 
has its ceiling beautifully ornamented with ar- 
chitectural designs, and on its walls are sus- 
pended full length portraits of Jefferson and 
Madison, by Sully. Over a recess designed 
foT the Librarian's desk is placed a bust of 
Washington. The stained windows add to 
the beauty of the room, and the whole appear- 
ance of the structure reflects much credit upon 
the skilful architect who designed the building. 

The Library is open from 8 to 12 A. M. and 
from 1 P. M. until sundown, under the charge 
of the librarian and his assistant. Only the 
members of the Institution and officers residing 
at the post, are allowed to take books from the 
Library, but citizens have access to it, at the 
regular hoars, with liberty to examine such 
books as they please. Cadets are allowed on 
Saturday afternoons to take any books they 



20 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

may have been reading during the week, to 
be returned on the following Monday ; at other 
times they may have a single volume of any 
work calculated to aid them in their stu- 
dies. 

The Board of Visitors in 1833 speak thus : 
" The library of the academy contains a very 
valuable collection of works, adapted to the pe- 
culiar objects of the institution. It is rich in 
works on military science, and on civil engi- 
neering, and contains a valuable series of mili- 
tary history, and the best geographical and to- 
pographical maps of the state of Europe to il- 
lustrate this important study. It is true that 
in works on polite literature it is as yet rather 
deficient, although the selection has been very 
judicious ; but however desirable it may be to 
augment the number of volumes on miscella- 
neous subjects, the real object of the institu- 
tion must be kept steadily in view, and it will 
continue to be the duty of the Superintendent 
to purchase, in preference to all others, books 
relating to the sciences taught in this academy, 
and to supply the necessary works on archi- 
tecture, chemistry, geology, mineralogy and 
moral science." 

Of the present character of the library, the 
following table will convey some idea. 



[NT. 


21 


Vols. 


Dup. 


2327 


2090 


508 


346 


692 


149 


876 


94 


638 


36 


969 


322 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

There are on Military Engi- 
neering 

Artillery and Pyrotechny 

Military Art 

Military History, Memoirs, 
Campaigns, (fee. 

Civil Engineering - 

Mathematics 

Natural Philosophy & Navi- 
gation - - 835 134 

Chemistry, Mineralogy, Geol- 
ogy, Natural History & 
the Arts, Medicine, &c. 

Geography, Topography, &c. 

History, Biography, Memoirs, 
Travels, &c. 

Miscellaneous Literature 

Total 14,564 3654 

Volumes not duplicated 10,910 

The great number of the duplicates is owing 
chiefly to 6 or 7 hundred copies of a Treatise 
on the Science of War, amounting to some 
2000 volumes. 



1645 


95 


. 475 


53 


2518 


190 


3081 


145 



22 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 



CHAPTER V. 

PHILOSOPHICAL AND ASTRONOMICAL ROOMS. 

The stone building containing these rooms 
and the hbrary, is of Gothic architecture, 150 
feet by 60, with two stories, and three towers. 
It has been erected recently, and has been in 
use since 1843. The philosophical apparatus 
is arranged in cases around a lecture room, and 
its splendor and perfection are displayed to ex- 
cellent advantage. It contains all the instru- 
ments most necessary for the use of the in- 
structor in experimental philosophy, and nume- 
rous experiments are made before the classes. 

The building is particularly adapted to as- 
tronomical observations, being constructed on 
the most approved plan for an observatory. 
The central tower is covered with a dome, 
weighing four tons, and revolving on four can- 
non balls. The motion is easily given to it, 
and the observer is thereby enabled to obtain 
an opening to any quarter of the heavens. 
The telescope is supported on a stone pillar 
firmly planted in the ground, and unconnected 
with the building — this arrangement being ne- 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 23 

cessary to ensure its perfect stability. By 
means of clock work, a revolving motion is 
given to the instrument, in such a way that 
any object may be constantly kept within the 
field of vision. 

The tower on the north-west corner contains 
a meridional telescope of superior quality ; and 
the corresponding tower has just been furnished 
with a transit instrument, of perfect workman- 
ship, manufactured in Germany expressly for 
this institution. 

These departments of philosophy and as- 
tronomy are under the charge of Prof. Bartlett, 
who visited Europe some years since, in order 
to procure instruments, and, by visiting all the 
great observatories, to ascertain the most desira- 
ble arrangements, and the best method of ob- 
serving. The results of his journey are seen 
in the selection of apparatus, in the present 
management of his department, and in the de- 
signing of the transit instrument, which was 
constructed in conformity with a plan made by 
him, combining the most recent and valuable 
improvements. 



24 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 



CHAPTER VI. 



THE CHAPEL. 



This building, devoted to religious purposes, 
stands between the Library and the Academy. 
It was commenced in 1835, and completed the 
same or the next year. It is 50 feet front, 70 
feet deep, and 24 feet high, and affords accom- 
modation, for about five hundred persons. The 
service is usually conducted under the form of 
the Episcopal church, but the pulpit has been 
opened for clergymen of other denominations. 
The chaplain is the Rev. Mr. Parks, who grad- 
uated at the Academy in 1826, and is now 
Professor of Ethics. On Sabbath morning the 
officers appear at church in full uniform, and 
the Cadets are all required to be present, ex- 
cept those detailed for the guard. In the after- 
noon attendance is voluntary. No regular ser- 
vice is held during the week. 

The Chapel contains an organ, and is deco- 
rated with a fine painting by Mr. Wier, whose 
reputation throughout the country has been 
crowned by the exhibition of '^e Embarka- 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 



2^ 



tion of the Pilgrims at Delft Haven." * The 
design is supposed to be in illustration of the 
motto, "Righteousness exalteth a nation, but 
sin is a reproach to any people." A female 
figure, personifying peace, with an olive branch 
in one hand and a JBible in the other, is repre- 
sented as looking towards the sun of righteous- 
ness, just risen in the east. A Roman warrior, 
on the other side, a representative of war, has 
laid by his implements of battle as if the time 
had come, when " nation shall not lift up sword 
against nation, neither shall they learn war 
any more." He is saddened by the idea, and 
is hardly reconciled to the sacrifice required of 
him. Between these two is an altar, or a tab- 
let, supporting part of a globe on which our 
country is marked out, while above an eagle 
is hovering with an olive and arrows. The 
sky is set with stars, and the star-spangled 
banner is thrown down near the feet of the 
Roman. The coloring, the drapery, and the 
light are admirable, and the whole picture 
attracts much attention. 

* This painting, representing the Pilgrims leaving their 
temporary home to seek a new country, and plant here " a 
church without a bishop, a state without a king," was 
executed by order of Congress, and is now placed in the 
Capitol at Washington. 

3 



26 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 



CHAPTER VII. 

THE ACADEMY — ENGINEERING HALL — MINERAL CABI 
NET — PAINTING AND SCULPTURE GALLERIES. 

The Academy is a fine stone building, 275 
feet by 75, containing three stories, beside the 
basement, which is used for a chemical labora- 
tory. 

The first story contains a large room used 
for a riding hall and for military exercises 
during the winter. The apartment at the north 
end is occupied as a fencing hall, and the cor- 
responding one at the other end is the court 
room. In the second story are a number of 
recitation rooms, the Quarter-master's and 
Treasurer's offices, and the Engineering room. 
The latter, an apartment 7o by 22, is furnished 
with numerous models to illustrate the impor- 
tant branches of architecture, fortification, and 
civil engineering. Most conspicuous in the 
room are two large models of English manu- 
facture, one of which represents a perfect for- 
tification in all its minutiae, displaying the 
proper construction of the walls, and the means 
of protecting the various avenues of approach. 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 27 

The other represents the progress of a success- 
ful attack upon a fortification. The advancing 
army, in miniature, are represented as having 
passed barrier after barrier, driving the besieged 
before them. In one place they have made a 
breach in the walls by the explosion of a mine, 
and in another they have raised a mound to 
protect themselves in their advance. The be- 
sieged have retreated to their last barrier, and 
are making preparations, in case that should 
be taken, to retreat to the buildings of the. town, 
part of which is in ruins. As their last resort 
they are fortifying a church, which has already 
suffered some injury. These models, interest- 
ing simply as curiosities, must be of great im- 
portance in illustrating the nature and defence 
of fortifications. 

In this room also are plaster models of some 
of the most celebrated Grecian temples, restored 
to their original beauty. These were brought 
from Paris, and are admirable representations 
of some of the finest buildings the world ever 
saw, which even in their ruins have received 
universal admiration. Among them are the 
Propyleea and the Parthenon, of Athens, the 
Hypaethral Temple, and " the Lantern of De- 
mosthenes." 

There are also models of bridges, canal locks, 
steam -^'^"^ines. water wheels, arches and other 



28 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

apparatus designed to exemplify subjects con- 
nected with engineering. The room is under 
the charge of Mr. Mahan, Professor of Civil 
and MiUtary Engineering, assisted by Lieuten- 
ants Wright, Newton, and Rosecrans. 

The room above the Engineering hall, is 
devoted to the Mineralogical Cabinet, a well 
selected and well arranged collection of the 
most important specimens of native and foreign 
minerals, embracing some of considerable value. 
This department, as also that of chemistry, is 
under the chai-ge of Professor Bailey, aided by 
Lieutenant Kendrick. 

Corresponding to this room, at the opposite 
end of the building, is the Drawing hall, hghted 
from above, and supplied with every necessary 
convenience for drawing and painting. The 
members of the second and third classes usually 
devote two hours daily to these pursuits, and 
many of them make great proficiency. The 
panels of the room are decorated with a series 
of paintings by Mr. Wier, illustrating the effects 
of light and shade. 

Opening into the hall are two spacious galler- 
ies, one for painting and the other for sculp- 
ture. The former contains a few pieces from 
foreign artists, and some engravings, designed 
as lessons to be copied : but it is intended that 
the walls shall be chiefly covered with the best 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 29 

of the paintings produced by the Cadets. Each 
year the teacher selects such as he deems most 
worthy of preservation, and allows the Cadets 
to retain the remainder. A stimulus to exertion 
is thus held out to them, and at the same time 
the Academy reaps some immediate benefit 
from their labors. A large number of paintings 
has already been collected, and their appear- 
ance would do credit to more advanced artists. 

The sculpture gallery contains many pieces 
that are interesting as copies of famous statues. 
It is well supplied with models of the various 
parts of the human figure, and cannot fail to 
be of advantage in aiding the studies of the 
Cadets. 

This department is under the care of Mr. 
Wier, who is assisted by Lieut. R. S. Smith. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

THE HOSPITAL. 

" The Hospital is a stone edifice, located 
near the bank of the Hudson river, beautifully 
shaded with the sugar maple on the east, and 



30 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

near the base of the mountain on the west ; 
commanding an interesting view of the river, 
and securing always a free circulation of pure 
air. This building contains in its basement 
story eight rooms of convenient size for the ac- 
commodation of the nurses, matrons, domestics, 
kitchens, &c. Immediately above these rooms 
are eight large, convenient and airy chambers 
for the sick, with a portico in front, furnishing 
a pleasant promenade, in full view of the river, 
for convalescent patients. Connected with this 
building, one at each end, are two buildings of 
similar size, one story higher than the hospital, 
for the accommodation of the surgeon and as- 
sistant surgeon. The whole building is con- 
venient and appropriate."* 



CHAPTER IX. 

THE CEMETERY. 



The Cemetery has a retired and beautiful 
situation on the bank of the river, about a mile 
above the hotel. It seems fitting that solitude 

* Report of Visitors, 1841. 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 31 

should dwell around the abodes of the dead, 
and that the hum of busy life should be hushed 
in the vicinity of the tomb. Here sleep but 
few Cadets, yet those few have won the esteem 
of their classmates, and marble memorials tell 
us of their virtues. Their work was early done 
— night wrapped them in its shrouded gloom, 
ere hfe's morning had fairly dawned upon 
them. 

We notice here a beautiful column in mem- 
ory of Lt. Col. Alexander R. Thompson — a vic- 
tim in the Florida war. The delicate sculpture, 
particularly, attracts our attention. Another 
monument, castle-hke in form, deserves no- 
tice. It is known as the Cadets' Monument, 
and was erected in memory of V. M. Lowe, in 
1817. The names of others are inscribed on 
the sides, and on its summit are placed various 
military emblems, beautifully wrought out. 

The location of this cemetery is well chosen 
— a beautiful spot it is, — and the stranger can- 
not fail to be interested in visiting it. The 
ground in its vicinity was used as a burial 
place during the Revolution, but the present 
arrangements are of modern date. 



32 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 



CHAPTER X. 

THE ARTILLERY LABORATORY — THE LARGE CHAIN, 
AND OTHER RELICS. 

The plan and arrangement of this structure 
are such as to excite our curiosity. The tow- 
ers are designed for workshops, and the space 
enclosed hy the walls for the storage of various 
kinds of ordnance. 

Near the centre of the space we see the rem- 
nants of the celebrated iron chain that was 
stretched across tlie river during the revolution 
to obstaict the passage of the enemy's ships. 
Thacher's MiUtary Journal for 1780, says, 
" As additional security an iron chain of im- 
mense strength is thrown across at the short 
bend of the river, and fixed to huge blocks on 
ea^h shore, and under the fire of batteries on both 
sides of the river. The links of this chain are 
about twelve inches wide, and eighteen long, 
the bars about two inches square. It is buoyed 
up by very large logs, of about sixteen feet long, 
pointed at the ends, to lessen their opposition 
to the force of the current at flood and ebb 
tide. The logs are placed at short distances 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 33 

from each other, the chain carried over them, 
and made fast to each by staples. There are 
also a number of anchors dropped at proper 
distances, with cables made fast to the chain, 
to give it greater stability." 

This chain " was made at Sterling [near 
West Point] in March and April, 1788, by the 
late Peter Townsend, Esq. It was contracted 
for and its making superintended by Tim- 
othy Pickering. Esq. The iron of this chain 
was made from equal parts of Sterling and 
Long Mine ores. The weight of each link 
was from 140 to 150 pounds, and the whole 
was made and delivered in six weeks."* 

These links surround another relic, a cannon, 
by the premature discharge of which in 1817, 
Cadet Lowe was killed. To his memory has 
been erected the beautiful monument which 
was noticed in the Cemetery. Very few acci- 
dents of a serious nature have happened in this 
Institution, and but one other, it is said, has 
proved fatal. 

We find here several trophies, worthy of at- 
tention ; among others, two brass cannons, of 
British manufacture, marked GR. and W. 
BowEN FECIT, 1755. On these are engraved 
military emblems and this inscription : 

* Geological Reports of New York, No. 275. 



34 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

FROM THE BRITISH ARMY 
AND PRESENTED BY ORDER OF 
THE UNITED STATES IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED 
TO MAJOR GENERAL GREENE 
AS A MONUMENT OF 
THEIR HIGH SENSE OF 
THE WISDOM FORTITUDE AND MILITARY TALENTS, 
WHICH DISTINGUISHED HIS COMMAND 
IN THE SOUTHERN DEPARTMENT 
AND OF 
THE EMINENT SERVICES 
WHICH 
AMIDST COMPLICATED DANGERS AND DIFFI- 
CULTIES HE PERFORMED FOR 

ODcirar^DCfrH Sc is, i7sa. 

Also a number of brass mortars are visible, 
" Surrendered hy the Convention of Sarato- 
ga^ Oct. 17, 1777 ;" a memorable occasion, 
when Burgoyne surrendered his army of 5752 
men, with their weapons. 

Also a large brass mortar " Taken at the 
Storm of Stony Point, July 15, 1779 ;" when 
the fort at that place was recaptured by the 
Americans under Wayne. 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT, ^5 



CHAPTER XI. 

FORT PUTNAM — VIEW — aUOTATION FROM SCOTT. 

The ascent of Mount Independence has here- 
. tofore been tedious, but by means of carriages, 
which can now go to the very summitj it may 
be accomphshed with httle difficulty, and no 
one should omit visiting so interesting a place 
as Fort Putnam. One way is to go through 
the west gate, and immediately turn into a 
road at the left, which joins the one leading to 
the entrance. Another road, constructed in the 
spring of 1844, by Major Delafield, comes to 
the plain in the vicinity of the Mess Hall. 

The fort is walled with stone on every side, 
so as to be impregnable. Its elevation is about 
five hundred feet from the river, and about 
three hundred and forty from the plain. The 
wall varies in height from ten to thirty feet, 
being greatest on the south side, and on the 
west built upon a steep precipice. The origi- 
nal fortification was commenced in 1778 ; it 
was partly rebuilt in 1794, but not completed; 
and even in its half finished state, it has been 
mutilated by the grasping hand of avarice, to 



36 . GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

furnish materials for building. This indeed 
was before it became the property of the United 
States, and we know not but the owner was 
justified in appropriating the relics as private 
property. But there was blame somewhere, 
and we cannot but regret that such a monu- 
ment of olden time should have been so little 
cherished. The fort bears the name of Gene- 
ral Putnam, a distinguished officer of the revo- 
lution, and one who had much to do in the 
fortification of West Point. 

The mortar used in laying the walls seems 
to have been deficient in sand, and the conse- 
quence is that the excess of lime, soaked out 
by the rain, has whitewashed the stones, and 
given them the appearance of lime-stone, ra- 
ther than of granite. Within the fort, six 
casemates, or arched cells, remain nearly entire, 
one of them being composed of three cham- 
bers ; and the ruins or unfinished foundations 
of seven more are discernible. The arches of 
these are of brick, made bomb proof and cov- 
ered over with a layer of turf, called the terre- 
pleine. Some of the casemates are furnished 
with chimneys, and others seem to have been 
designed for store-houses. A number have in- 
ternal communications, and nearly all, a pas- 
sage through the outer wall for ventilation. 
The external wall was originally some fee( 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 37 

higher than at present, with embrasures or 
openings for the cannon, which were to be 
placed on the terre-pleine. 

The position occupied by this fortification is 
considered in some respects a favorable one. 
It commands an extensive view of the river 
both above and below the Point, and of all the 
works on the plain ; yet as a strong-hold it has 
lost much of its importance, and it is quite 
doubtful whether it will ever be rebuilt. 

But the prospect is beautiful beyond descrip- 
tion. A bird's eye view of the plain displays 
the white tents of the cadets finely contrasted 
with the gloomy savins that stand like senti- 
nels in their rear. Our country's flag, spread- 
ing its folds to the breeze, seems to proflfer pro- 
tection and peace. The opposite bank of the 
river is dotted with numerous country seats, 
not without interest in the history of the place, 
and just below the pleasant village of Cold 
Spring, West Point foundery, like a mimic vol- 
cano, pours forth its dense clouds of smoke. 
The tranquil surface of the noble Hudson, the 
graceful sloops that deck its waters, the frown- 
ing summit of Crow's Nest, casting its dark 
shadow on the opposing bank, the dense foliage 
on every hill, and the outhnes of distant moun- 
tains, unite to give attractions to fhe spot al- 
most unrivalled, — while the solitude of the 

4 



38 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

place, the warlike aspect of the ruins, and the 
redoubts nearer the river, cannot fail to recall 
the history of the past. 

From this position the attention is naturally 
directed to the Academy itself. No one can 
reflect without deep interest on the " situation 
and character of this nursery of miUtary tal- 
ent, this school of tactics, and prohfic fountain 
of future glory and security. Standing on a 
commanding elevation in the centre of a pano- 
rama of mountains, no situation could be bet- 
ter calculated for all the purposes of abstract 
study. The rosks around it seem to form an 
eternal barrier against the intrusion of distract- 
ing temptations ]■■ — the mountain air is propi- 
tious to bodily health ; — the unbroken calm 
which perpetuall}' reigns, induces the mind to 
apply to those resources from necessity, which 
from inclination alone, it might less frequently 
place in requisition ; — and every spot is ren- 
dered sacred by association with times and cir- 
cumstances which 'tried men's souls,' and 
which now live only in memory, or rather in 
history."* And while the monuments of the 
glorious struggle of our forefathers are crum- 
bling to ruins, we may well apply these words 
of Scott : — 

* Hudson River Portfolio. 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 39 

"So ihoiij fair city ! disarray 'd 
or battled wall, and rampart's aid, 
As stately seem'st, but lovelier far 
Than in that panoply of war. 
Nor deem that from thy fenceless throne 
Strength and security are flown ; 
Still, as of yore, the queen of the north! 
Still canst thou send thy children forth. 
Ne'er readier at alarm-bell's call 
Thy burghers rose to man thy wall. 
Than now, in danger, shall be thine, 
Thy dauntless voluntary line ; 
For fosse and turret proud to stand, 
Their breasts the bulwark of the land. 
Thy thousands, train'd to martial toil, 
Full red would stain their native soil. 
Ere from thy mural crown there fell 
The slightest knosp, or pinnacle." 

Marmion. Introduction to Canto V. 



40 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 



CHAPTER XIL 



crow's nest. 



Very few persons mount to the top of 
Crow's Nestj* although those who do are well 
paid for their labor. The ascent, which must 
be performed chiefly on foot, is extremely diffi- 
cult, and should hardly be attempted without 
the aid of one who knows the road. A direc- 
tion often given to those enquiring the path, is, 
" if you lose your way, go directly up the side 
of the mountain." 

The view from the summit embraces an ex- 
tent of more than thirty miles up and down 
the river, besides much of the country on either 
side of it. Any attempt at describing this 
scenery would be useless. It must be seen — 
felt and realized. But we think that in the 
descent of the east side of the mountain, through 

* By the accurate calculations of Professor Church, the 

following elevations from high water-mark are determined : 

Height of the plain, - - - - - 157 feet. 

Fort Putnam, 495 

Redoubt hill, (in the rear of Fort Putnam) - 818 
Crow's Nest, 1394 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 41 

a dark ravine, late in the afternoon, these Unes 
from Scott are by no means inappropriate. 

"The western waves of ebbing day 
Roll'd o'er the glen their level way ; 
Each purple peak, each flinty spire, 
Was bathed in floods of living fire, 
But not a setting beam could glow 
Within the dark ravines below, 
Where twined the path in shadow hid. 
Round many a rocky pyramid, 
Shooting abruptly from the dell 
Its thunder-splinter'd pinnacle ; 
Round many an insulated mass, 
The native bulwarks of the pass. 
Huge as the tower which builders vain 
Presumptuous piled on Shinar's plain. 
The rocky summits, split and rent, 
Form'd turret, dome, or battlement, 
Or seem'd fantastically set 
With cupola or minaret, 
Wild crests as pagod ever deck'd. 
Or mosque of eastern architect. 
Nor were these earth-born castles bare, 
Nor lack'd they many a banner fair ; 
For, from their shiver'd brows display'd. 
Far o'er the unfathomable glade, 
All twinkling with the dewdrops sheen, 
The brier rose fell in streamers green, 
And creeping shrubs, of thousand dyes, 
Waved in the west wind's summer sighs." 

Lady of the Lake. Canto I. 11. 

4* 



42 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



KINSLEY'S CLASSICAL AND MATHEMATICAL SCHOOL. 

This school is situated about half a mile 
from the Barracks on a height that overlooks 
the road leading to Buttermilk Falls. Mr. Z. 
J. D. Kinsley, a graduate of the Mihtary Acad- 
emy, who was formerly for a number of years 
an instructor in that Institution, is the proprie- 
tor and principal. The course of instruction 
embraces the usual branches of a thorough 
English education ; a complete system of math- 
ematics ; the Latin, Greek and French lan- 
guages ; and opportunity is also afforded for 
instruction in vocal and instrumental music and 
in drawing. Particular pains are taken with 
such pupils as are to enter the Military Acad- 
emy ; and though the institutions are entirely 
distinct, there are advantages attending a pre- 
paratory instruction in the vicinity of the Acad- 
emy, and under a teacher who is familiar with 
the system there carried out. Mr. Kinsley is 
assisted by graduates of Yale and Geneva Col- 
leges, and opportunities are afforded to the pupil 
of preparing for a business life, or of commen- 



/ 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 43 



cing and prosecuting his studies on the plan 
which may afterwards be followed in a uni- 
versity. 

" The regulations for the internal discipline 
and police of the school will be strict and at 
the same time parental. No pupil of vicious 
habits will be permitted to remain in the school 
a single day; and when dismissed for such 
cause he will forfeit all the money paid at his 
entrance. As a condition of admission, every 
pupil will be required to pledge himself to ab- 
stain from the use of tobacco and all intoxi- 
cating drinks, and from visiting places where 
intoxicating drinks are sold."* 

The academic year consists of two terms of 
five months each; the winter term commen- 
cinsT on the 1st of November, and the summer 
term on the 1st of May. The months of April 
and October are devoted to vacations. 

EXPENSES. 

" For board, tuition, lodging, lights, washing, 
and fuel, per term, for pupils under ten 
years of age, - - - - - - $ 100 

Over 10 years and under 16, - - - - 125 

Over 16 years, ------ 150 

Pupils entering under 10, and remaining 4 
years m the School, for the whole period, 
per term, ------ 100 

* Circular of the school. 



44 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

Payments to be made for the term in advance in 
all cases. 

Books, stationeiy, and clothing can be furnished 
on reasonable terms, at the expense of the pupil." * 

In the following branches the charges are 
extra : 

" Spanish Language, - _ - per qr. $ 10 

Drawing in Human Figure and Land- 
scape, -____" 15 

Music on the flute, guitar, viohn, and 

piano, _-___« 15 

Vocal music, ----- per term, 5 

Military Exercises, including use of 
muskets, accoutrements, and am- 
munition, ----- " 5"* 

" Although it is not the design of the school to 
provide a military education, the pupils will be 
regularly organised as a company ; and they will 
be required to perform such military duties and 
exercises as contribute to discipline, to health, 
and to an easy and graceful carriage." The 
uniform adopted consists of a blue roundabout 
with gilt figured buttons, and white pantaloons 
for summer, and blue pantaloons with a black 
stripe of velvet down the outer seams, for win- 
ter. Each scholar is supplied with a musket 
and accoutrements, and is required to become 
familiar with the various duties and manoeu- 
vres of a soldier. 

* Circular of the school. 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 45 

" Monthly reports exhibiting the scholarship 
and behavior of every pupil will be sent to his 
parent or guardian, in which he will be re- 
quired to write at least one page, to show his 
improvement in penmanship, speUing and com- 
position. He may avail himself of this oppor- 
tunity to bring before his parent or guardian 
any grievances he may have, or to make any 
explanations respecting his dehnquencies ; all 
complaints, from whatever source they may 
come, not thus made through the regular chan- 
nel, will receive no attention from the Principal 
of the school." 

There is an examination of the pupils on 
the last three days of every month, and on the 
last four days of the term. These are public, 
and the school is constantly open to those 
strangers who wish to make farther inquiries, 
or to witness the system of instruction. 

The following report of the visiting board at 
the March examination is from the National 
Intelligencer. 

" A careful examination of the system of in- 
struction and discipline in Mr. Kinsley's School 
at West Point enables us to express great con- 
fidence in the fidelity with which he devotes 
himself to the education of his pupils. The 
different departments are filled by able instruc- 
tors, the situation is remarkably conducive to 



46 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

health and muscular development, and the 
occasional drill has a still farther tendency to 
give a firm tone to the physical system of the 
pupil, and to form him to a manly and grace- 
ful deportment. 

" The contiguity of the Military Academy en- 
ables Mr. Kinsley to secure the services of ac- 
comphshed masters in modern languages, mu- 
sic, and drawing, and the spiritual interests of 
his pupils appear to form the object of an atten- 
tion at once earnest and judicious. 

" Some of us having been present during most 
of the examination which has just closed, we 
are able to state that the practical results were 
such as might be anticipated from so good a 
system, and that the exhibition of the classes 
in all the departments of instruction was highly 
creditable to themselves and their instructors. 
J. PROUDFIT, D. D. 
Professor of Languages, Rutger's College. 
CHARLES DAVIES, LL. D. 

Major United States Army. 
A. E. CHURCH, A. M. 
Professor of Mathematics U. S. M. A. 

West Point, (N. Y.) April 1, 1844." 

The situation of this establishment is an in- 
teresting one, being the locality of a block 
house used in the revolution, and overlooked 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 47 

by the ruins of two fortifications on the hills in 
the rear. A play ground adjoining- affords 
the means of vigorous exercise, and the place 
is found to be uniformly healthy. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

BUTTERMILK FALLS. 

A PLEASANT excursion may be made to 
Buttermilk Falls, a mile and a half below the 
Academy. A small stream rushes down from 
the mountains, with considerable velocity, and 
makes a beautiful apearance, especially when 
swollen by the rains, by its entrance into the 
river. Within less than a hundred yards, it 
descends in a succession of cascades a hundred 
feet, spread out in sheets of milk white foam, 
over sloping beds of granite. Rough paths 
and foot bridges are so constructed that a per- 
son can pass with facility over the rocks, and 
across the foaming stream. During most of 
the summerj however, the little water which 
would naturally fall over the rocks, is drawn 



48 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

off for other purposes, and the inducements to 
visit the place are lessened. The flour mill 
near by is worth noticing from the fact that a 
very small supply of water is used three times 
under the same roof upon as many overshot 
wheels. The united diameters of these three 
wheels amount to ninety-three feet, and sufli- 
cient power is obtained to keep the mill in full 
operation. The building is so situated that 
vessels find ample depth of water to come to 
the side of it, and receive or discharge their 
loads. 

The road leading through the village of 
Buttermilk Falls, extends to the ruins of forts 
Montgomery and Clinton, four miles beyond. 
A part of this road has recently been much 
improved at private expense, but the remainder 
is quite indifferent, and as a matter of curiosity 
there is little reason for visiting the ruins. 

A fine elevation, called Bear Mountain, over- 
looks the village, and the view from the sum- 
mit is said to be enchanting. The ascent is 
somewhat arduous, but it may be accomplished 
even on horseback. 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 49 



CHAPTER XV. 



COLD SPRING — WEST POINT FOUNDRY. 

At the wharf ferry boats are stationed to 
convey passengers from West Point to Cold 
Spring, and the visitor must make an excur- 
sion to the other side of the river to see the 
whole beauty of this side. The village of 
Cold Spring has a pleasant situation, on a 
sloping bank of the river, and contains five 
churches and 1200 inhabitants. The summer 
residence of G. P. Morris, Esq., one of the 
Editors of the N. Y. Mirror, stands a httle 
north of the village, at the base of a frowning 
summit called Bull's Hill. 

The West Point foundry, as it is called, is 
situated at the side of a cove below the village. 
About four hundred men are employed in the 
various duties connected with the establishment. 
Many castings of immense weight have been 
made here, and the collection of patterns is 
very valuable. " There are attached to the 
foundry, 3 air furnaces and 3 cupolas. In 
the smith's shop there is 1 trip hammer of 7 
tons weight, and two tilt hammers — one of a 

5 



50 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

thousand and the other of 500 pounds. The 
machine shop contains 29 turning lathes, and 
3 planing machines for iron."* 

The drive from Cold Spring to the Beverly- 
House, four or five miles distant, is delightful. 
The views of West Point, of Crow's Nest, and 
of the river, are among the finest seen from 
any quarter. The road passes several fine 
country seats, and among others the De Rham 
house, formerly known as the Highland School. 
In the vicinity of this building is a romantic 
and picturesque valley, with a waterfall and a 
small pond, called the Indian fall. It may be 
visited from the road, but the access to it from 
West Point is easier by means of the ferry 
boats. 



CHAPTER XVL 

BEVERLY HOUSE — VIEW FROM SUGAR LOAF. 

The residence of Mr. Thomas B. Arden, on 
the east side of the river, two miles below 

* Haskel's Gazetteer. 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT, 51 

West Point, is known as the Beverly House, 
and has some celebrity as the liead quarters of 
various officers during- the war. It was for- 
merly owned by Colonel Beverly Robinson, a 
native of Scotland, who was induced to espouse 
the cause of the kin^, and in consequence 
thereof lost his large property in this vicinity. 

His spacious mansion, becoming the property 
of the State by confiscation, was used at one 
period as an Hospital, and at other times was 
occupied by Putnam, Parsons, and Arnold, 
while in command of the West Point garrison. 
The present proprietor has filled one room with 
antique furniture, restoring to it as far as possi- 
ble its former appearance, and he is often visited 
by strangers who have a curiosity to see the place. 

The Rev. Dr. Dwight, afterwards President 
of Yale College, was stationed here in 1778 as 
chaplain. From a letter of his, written at that 
time, are quoted the following descriptions of 
scenery, as true to nature now as then. 

" Yesterday afternoon, in company with 
Major Humphreys I went up to the summit of 
Sugar Loaf: a mountain near Colonel Robin- 
son's house. We ascended it with some diffi- 
culty, from the steepness of the acclivity, and 
from the loose stones, which frequently sliding 
from under our feet, exposed us to imminent 
hazard of falling. From the summit we were 



62 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

presented with an extensive, and interesting 
prospect, comprising- the objects, which I have 
heretofore mentioned, and many others which 
I had never seen. Tlie point of view was re- 
markably happy ; the mountain being so sit- 
uated, as to bring within our reach the great- 
est number of objects in the surrounding re- 
gion, and to exhibit them to the highest advan- 
tage. What is almost a singularity, there was 
not a cheerful object within our horizon. Every 
thing which we beheld, was majestic, solemn, 
wild and melancholy. 

" The Northern division of our prospect was 
almost entirely bounded by two great moun- 
tains, named Butterhill and Breakneck ; the 
former on the West, the latter on the East side 
of the Hudson. Both abut so directly upon 
the river, that their rude lofty cliffs form a part 
of its banks. These mountains ascend at the 
distance of, perhaps, six miles from the spot 
where we surveyed them, and extend North- 
ward to the valley of Fishkill. 

" From Breakneck stretches a range of in- 
ferior magnitude, at the distance of half a mile, 
one, and two miles from the Eastern shore of 
the Hudson. The ground between them and 
the river, being generally level, and capable of 
cultivation. It contains a small number of 
other houses, besides that of Col. Robinson. 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. • 53 

Of this range Sugar Loaf is the termination, 
its Southern Hmit being the river. 

" Still Eastward of this range ascend others, 
terminating also on the Hudson. The South- 
ernmost which is in sight on the Eastern side, 
and indeed the Southernmost of the whole clus- 
ter, is Anthony's nose ; a noble bluff, whose 
cliffs rise almost perpendicularly from the water's 
edge to the height of perhaps 1500 feet, with a 
sublimity, which I believe is not often rivalled. 

" On the Western side runs a rude range of 
mountains, commencing at Butter Hill, and 
terminating, to the eye, at a point, opposite to 
Anthony's Nose. The three loftiest summits 
in the range are the Crow's Nest, a fine sharp 
cone ; Bear Hill ; and the Donderbarrak, or 
Thunder Hill. At the foot of these com- 
mences a plain, of no great breadth ; if I may 
be permitted to call that a plain, which, while 
it approaches generally towards a level surface, 
is undulating, rocky and wild, throughout a 
great part of its extent. This tract reaches 
northward to West Point ; and Southward 
near to Anthony's Nose. Directly North, the 
Hudson, here a mile in breadth, and twice as 
wide higher up, is seen descending from a great 
distance, and making its way between the mag- 
nificent chifs of the two great m.oun tains, But- 
ter Hill and Breakneck. The grandeur of 



54 , GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

this scene defies description. Through the 
opening here called the Wey-gat, or Wind-gate, 
because the wind often blows through it with 
great violence, is visible the cultivated country 
at New- Windsor, throughout a considerable 
extent. Beyond this, at the distance of about 
forty miles, rise the Cattskill mountains ; whose 
blue summits were at this time lost in the 
clouds. In this reach of the river lies an 
island, to the eye a mere bird's nest ; and near 
it were two boats, resembling in size those 
which children make of paper. 

" South of these two mountains the river 
bends between West Point, and Fort Constitu- 
tion, and for a short space is invisible. Thence 
it becomes visible again, and continues in sight, 
till the prospect is terminated by Anthony's 
Nose on the Eastern, and Bear Hill on the 
Western side. 

" Directly opposite to us was a mill stream, 
which, swollen at this time by the dissolving 
snows, poured a large sheet of foam, white as 
snow, over a high ledge of rocks into the 
Hudson.* In other circumstances this object 
would have been beautiful ; now it only en- 
hanced the general solemnity and grandeur, 
by filling the neighboring region with a loud 
sound, resembling the distant roar of the ocean. 
* Buttermilk Falls. 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 55 

This sound was apparently echoed by the nu- 
merous torrents, wliich were everywhere rush- 
ing down the mountains." 

" Beneath us was a house,* deserted by its 
inhabitants : a family, possessed, a little while 
since, of all the enjoyments which this life can 
furnish ; intelligent, refined, and amiable. It 
is deserted, not improbably to be seen by them 
no more. Whether the father acted wisely or 
unwisely, defensibly or indefensibly, I am not 
interested to inquire. Against the mother and 
the children, even prejudice can bring no alle- 
gation." 

" Southward, at the distance of perhaps four 
miles, were the ruins of Fort Montgomery. 
Here more than one hundred of our country- 
men became victims, a few months since, to 
the unprincipled claims of avarice and am- 
bition. * * * Northward, at about the same 
distance, was West Point, where the same 
scenes of slaughter may not improbably be soon 
acted over again." 

"It is a remarkable fact, that the Hudson 
should have found so fine and safe a bed, in a 
country so rough, and between banks so often 
formed of mountains, or high hills, and to so 
great an extent abutting upon it in precipices 

* The Beverly Hoiise. 



56 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

of a stupendous height. Yet even through the 
highlands its navigation is perfectly uninter- 
rupted- * * * * There is a grandeur in the 
passage of this river through the highlands, 
unrivalled by any thing of the same nature 
within my knowledge. At its entrance par- 
ticularly, and its exit, the mountains ascend 
with stupendous precipices immediately from 
the margin of its waters ; appearing as if the 
chasm between them had been produced by 
the irresistible foice of this mighty current, and 
the intervening barrier, at each place, had 
been broken down, and finally carried away 
into the ocean. These cliffs hang over the 
river, especially at its exit from the mountains, 
with a wild and awful subhmity, suited to the 
grandeur of the river itself; which, speedily 
after it escapes from these barriers, expands its 
current to the breadth of three miles, and soon 
after to that of four, and pours a vast stream 
two miles wide, and sufficiently deep to waft a 
seventy-four gun ship, until it is lost in the 
bay of New York."* 

* Dwight's Travels in New-England and New-York, 
vol. 3. 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 57 



CHAPTER XVII. 

MILITARY ACADEMY — ADMISSION — COURSE OF IN- 
STRUCTION — EXAMINATIONS GRADUATION — LEAVES 

OF ABSENCE — UNIFORM — DISCIPLINE — LIMITS — PAY 

MILITARY ORGANIZATION — FIRE COMPANIES 

DAILY EMPLOYMENT OF TIME. 

It is thought that a somewhat minute ac- 
count of the rules of the Academy, will be not 
only interesting as a matter of curiosity, but 
also useful for reference and information. The 
following account is chiefly an abridgement of 
the "Regulations for the Mihtary Academy, 
by the President of the United States," pub- 
lished in 1839. 

ADMISSION. 

Candidates who have been selected by the 
War Department at Washington, are required 
to report themselves for examination to the 
Superintendent of the Academy between the 
1st and 20th of June, annually. The only 
requisite attainments are the ability to read 
and write well, and a knowledge of the ele- 
ments of arithmetic, including reduction, pro- 
portion, and fractions. The door is thus opened 



58 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

to those who have enjoyed but few advantages 
of education, and any elevation of the stand- 
ard would undoubtedly create dissatisfaction 
among some classes of the community.* Still 
a thorough mental discipline before entering 
the Institution, would fit a person to derive still 
greater advantages from his course of study. 

None are admitted who are under sixteen or 
more than twenty-one years of age ; who are 
less than five feet in height ; or who are de- 
formed, or in any manner unfit for military 
duty. Each Cadet, on his admission, is re- 
quired to subscribe an engagement to serve in 
the army of the United States for eight years, 
including the four years of instruction, unless 
sooner discharged by the proper authority ; 
also to observe all the regulations of the Acad- 
emy and the orders of his officers, according to 
the rules and discipline of war. Thus he is 
regularly enlisted and made subject to martial 
law. 

COURSE OF INSTRUCTION. 

The studies of the Cadets are comprised 
under the following heads : 

* The Board of Visiters in 1840, go so far as to say, " The 
standard of qualification for admission, altliough considered 
low by some, is certainly so high as to preclude many who 
perhaps would otherwise present very strong claims for ad- 
mission" I ! I 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 59 

1st. Infantry Tactics and Military Police. 

2d. Mathematics. 

3d. The French Language. 

4th. Drawing. 

6th. Natural Philosophy. 

6th- Chemistry and Mineralogy. 

7th. Artillery Tactics, the Science of Gun- 
nery, and the Duties of a Military Laboratory. 

8th. Engineering gtnd the Science of War. 

9th. Geography, History, and Ethics. 

10th. The use of the sword. 

Each department is under the charge of a 
professor or teacher, who is held responsible for 
the mode of instruction. 

Infantry Tactics. This course conforms 
to the system established for the government 
of the army, and includes the drill of the sol- 
dier, company and battalion, the evolutions of 
the line, the manual exercise of light infantry 
and riflemen, and the police of camp and garri- 
son. The instructor in this department is as- 
sisted by such officers as are selected for the 
purpose, and by the Cadets appointed to act as 
commissioned and non-commissioned officers. 
The exercises and manoeuvres are taught prin- 
cipally in the field, and the rules of military 
police are exemplified in practice. 

Mathematics. This course embraces alge- 
bra, geometry, trigonometry, mensuration, de- 



60 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

scriptive and analytical geometry, and fluxions. 
The two younger classes are divided into sec- 
tions of twelve or fifteen, according to the capa- 
cities of the Cadets. The first section in each 
class is under the immediate tuition of the pro- 
fessor, and the other sections under assistant 
professors of mathematics. The instruction is 
adapted to the abilities of the different divisions, 
the more difficult investigations of the course 
being reserved for the higher sections. 

The French Language^ embracing French 
grammar, accurate translations, and a correct 
pronunciation, is taught in sections divided 
according to the French merit-roll in the same 
manner as for mathematics. 

To Draioing great attention is paid. The 
elements of the human figure ; elementary 
studies in landscape with the pencil ; shading 
and finishing landscape in India ink ; and 
elements of topography with pen, pencil, India 
ink, and colors. 

Natural and Experimental Philosophy. 
This course embraces mechanics, magnetism, 
and astronomy. 

Chemistry ; embracing chemical philosophy, 
application of chemistry to the arts, mineralogy, 
and geology. 

Artillery ; nomenclature and description of 
the various kinds and parts of artillery, <fec. ; 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 61 

exercise with field pieces, (fee. ; manoeuvres as 
a division of artillery; gunnery, theory and 
practice ; pyrotechny, preparation of powder, 
cartridges, rockets, fire-balls, (fee, (fee. 

Engiiieering ; civil engineering; field forti- 
fication; permanent fortification ; science of war. 

History^ (^c. English grammar; rhetoric, 
geography ; ancient and modern history ; moral 
philosophy ; political science. 

The use of the sword ; fencing, use of the 
small sword, (fee, and sword exercise of cavalry. 

The course of instruction occupies four years, 
those who enter at the same time constituting 
a class. The oldest class is called the first, 
the next the second, and so on ; and each 
lower one advances a degree at commence- 
ment on the 1st of July. In the months of 
July and August the Cadets are encamped, and 
the instruction is exclusively military. During 
the remaining ten months of the academic 
year, instruction is given in all the courses. 
The daily allowance of time for the class stu- 
dies, including recitations, is not less than nine, 
nor more than ten hours, varying somewhat 
with the season. 

EXAMINATIONS. 

An annual examination of the classes, pre- 
paratory to their advancement, commences oja 

6 



62 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

the first Monday of June, at which time all the 
Cadets are examined by the Academic Board, 
(consisting of the superintendent, professors, 
and teachers,) in the presence of a Board of 
Visiters, who are army officers, designated for 
the purpose annually by the Secretary of War, 
who sometimes attends in person. Another an- 
nual examination by the Academic Board is 
held on the first Monday in January. The 
result of these examinations is the dismission of 
those incompetent to go on with their studies, 
and the publication in the Army Register of 
the names of the five who appear most distin- 
guished in each class. 

A record is kept of every recitation, and 
weekly exhibited to the Cadets, the scale of 
merit varying from 3 to 0. After the June 
examination these are condensed into rolls dis- 
playing the comparative standing of each Cadet 
in his class, both in general merit, and in each 
study. These are published in the annual re- 
gister, which also contains a conduct-roll^ com- 
piled from a record of all the irregularities and 
violations of the code of discipline, for the year 
preceding. Offences are classed in seven grades 
of criminality, bringing from 1 to 10 demerit. 
For example, an absence from reveille roll-call, 
is 3 demerit. Introducing spirituous liquors 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 63 

into barracks, is 8 demerit. Disobedience of 
the orders of a military superior, is 8 demerit. 

For each year (after the first) that a Cadet 
has been a member of the Institution, his 
offences are made to count more, by adding to 
the number expressing the degree of criminal- 
ity of each offence, one-sixth for his second, 
one-third for his third, and one-half for his 
fourth year. When the number for the de- 
merit of any Cadet for the year exceeds 200, 
he is declared deficient in conduct, and recom- 
mended to the War Department for discharge. 
Various punishments are also assigned for 
neglect of duty, and, (it is claimed,) the scrutiny 
of military police accomplishes all that can be 
expected in enforcing discipline and good order, 
and in restraining irregularity and vice. 

GRADUATION AND PROMOTION. 

No Cadet can be promoted until he has com- 
pleted the course of studies pursued at the 
Academy, and received a diploma from the 
Academic Board. Those who pass a satisfac- 
tory examination after four years' study, are 
recommended to the Secretary of War for com- 
missioiis, and become connected with the army 
as second lieutenants, or when there are no 
vacancies, as brevet second lieutenants. The 
rank in promotion corresponds with the stand 



64 GUIDE TO WEST POINT 

ing on the roll of general merit ; and thus the 
inducement is held up to the Cadets, that their 
prospects of honor and rank in the army de- 
pend almost solely upon their conduct and 
scholarship in the Academy. After joining 
any particular regiment, however, they are cer- 
tain of a liberal support, and of promotion as 
vacancies occur above them, whatever may be 
their quahfications and merit ; unless it may 
be in actual war, when conspicuous bravery 
and talent are likely to receive a reward. 

No Cadet, who leaves the Academy prema- 
turely, wliatever the cause, can receive an 
appointment in the army, until after the pro- 
motion of the class to which he belonged. 

LEAVES OF ABSENCE. 

During the encampment, most of the profes- 
sors and teachers, with their assistants, have 
leave of absence from the post. The Cadets 
are allowed to be absent but once during their 
four years' course. This vacation usually 
comes to each class at the end of its second 
year, and continues through July and August. 
But not more than one-fourth of the whole 
number may be absent at any one time, and 
no Cadet can obtain such leave of absence 
whose demerit for the year exceeds 150. 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT 65 



UNIFORM. 

The professors, ifec, not in the line of the 
army, are required to wear a citizen's dress, 
with figured gilt buttons ; if commissioned offi- 
cers, they wear the uniforms of their several 
regiments. 

The Cadets have a gray cloth coattee, with 
standing collar, single breasted, having black 
silk cord, and three rows of gilt bullet buttons 
in front, and also upon the skirts and sleeves ; 
gra}'' cloth trowsers for winter, with a black 
stripe an inch wide down the outer seam ; 
white drilling trowsers for summer ; white 
gloves ; a dress cap of black felt seven inches 
high, with a black pompon eight inches long, a 
leather cockade, and a gilt castle and eagle in 
front. A forage cap is worn when not on duty. 
Each Cadet must unite with his room-mate in 
purchasing the tables and other furniture that 
may be prescribed for their room. No article 
of clothing, furniture, or books can be sold or 
otherwise disposed of without permission from 
the superintendent. 

DISCIPLINE. 

The punishments to which a Cadet is liable 
are comprised in the three following classes : 
1st. Privation of recreation ; extra tours of 



66 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

guard duty ; reprimands ; arrests or confine- 
ment to his room or tent. 

2d. Confinement in light prison ; confine- 
ment in dark prison. 

3d. Dismission with the privilege of resign- 
ing ; public dismission. 

The punishments of the first class may be 
inflicted by the superintendent, or with his ap- 
probation ; those of the second class may only 
be inflicted by virtue of the sentence of a court 
martial, except in cases of mutinous conduct 
or breach of arrest. 

All disobedience and disrespectful conduct 
towards his teachers or officers, renders a Cadet 
liable to dismission. The Cadets are forbid- 
den to have or to use intoxicating drinks, 
tobacco, or cards. The following things are 
prohibited under severe penalties ; all cooking 
in barracks or in camp ; damaging or selling 
public property ; absence from quarters, and 
visiting in study hours, and at night ; answer- 
ing for another at roll call ; encouraging or 
provoking duels, ungentlemanly conduct; com- 
binations against authority; publishing ac- 
counts of the Academy, or of transactions in 
the Institution ; receiving money or supphes 
from home ; absence from duty ; neglect of 
study ; disregard of the Sabbath ; profanity ; 
taking a newspaper without permission ; having 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 



67 



Other dress than that prescribed ; lending ac- 
coutrements ; throwing anything from the win- 
dows and doors in barracks ; having a hght 
burning after 10 P. M. ; running, loud talkmg, 
and scuffling in barracks ; receiving strangers 
in barracks in study hours. 

LIMITS. 

The Cadets are not allowed to pass over the 
road surrounding the plain of West Point, (in- 
cluding the side walk,) without special permis- 
sion. On Saturday afternoons, and during the 
encampment on other days, leave can be ob- 
tained to walk upon certain parts of the public 
lands, including Mount Independence and 

Crow's Nest. 

No Cadet can visit any family, except on 
Saturday afternoon, without a written invita 
tion and the special permission of the superin 
tendent ; or go to the hotel without a written 
permit specifying the time of the visit and the 
name of the persons on whom he may wish to 
call. No Cadet can enter any room or hall 
of the hotel, except the hall and drawing rooms 
of the first story, or when there take dinner or 
any other meal. 

PAY AND ACCOUNTS. 

The monthly allowance t^ each Cadet is 
twenty-eight dollars. About ten of these are 



68 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

paid for board, and the remainder placed to his 
credit, or expended for clothing, books, and 
furniture. A monthly stoppage of two dollars 
is made from the pay of each Cadet, for the 
accumulation of a fund to be applied at the 
time of his promotion to the purchase of a uni- 
form. The amount thus saved in four years 
is about one hundred dollars. No debt can be 
incurred without permission, and all the orders 
and charges must be entered in a book kept 
by the Cadet. These accounts are adjusted 
from time to time, but no Cadet is entitled to 
receive the balance due to him, until he is pro- 
moted or discharged. 

MILITARY ORGANIZATION. 

There are four companies, whose organiza- 
tion is entirely distinct from that of the four 
classes, forming one battahon. The " Cadet 
office^-s," as they are called, are selected from 
those who have been most active and soldier- 
hke in the performance of their duties, and 
most exemplary in their general deportment. 
The captains and lieutenants are usually taken 
from the first class, the sergeants from the sec- 
ond class, and the corporals from the third 
class. The other Cadets fill the ranks as pri- 
vates. Cadets acting as commissioned and 
non-commissioned officers wear certain badsres 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 69 

of distinction ; the captains four chevrons of 
single lace on each arm above the elbow, points 
up ; lieutenants, three ; sergeants, two ; corporals, 
two on each arm below the elbow. For a few 
other officers, these badges are somewhat varied. 
During the summer there is a mihtary drill 
every day when the weather is favourable, (Sat- 
urdays and Sundays excepted,) after 4 P. M., 
continuing from an hour to an hour and a 
half. There is a dress parade at sunset, and 
when in camp at 8 A. M., also ; and a parade 
and inspection of the battalion under arms 
every Sunday morning before church. 

FIRE COMPANIES. 

The several companies are also organized as 
a Fire Department, having charge of buckets, 
ladders, and hose, in the use of which they are 
occasionally drilled by the Instructors of Tac- 
tics. In case of an alarm of fire, the several 
companies assemble immediately, and under 
charge offhe senior officer present, proceed with 
the apparatus to the fire, and exert all their 
energies to subdue the flames and to remove 
and preserve the property in danger. 

DAILY EMPLOYMENT OP TIME. 

" Reveiiy at 5 A. M. in summer, and 6 in 
winter. Roll call immediately after. Cleaning 



70 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

arms and accoutrements. Inspection of rooms 
thirty minutes after roll call. Study of the les- 
sons to be recited during the morning. 

At 7 A. M. the signal for breakfast. " Troop'^ 
and guard mounting at half-past 7. Morning 
parade at 8 (in camp.) 

From 8 A. M. to 1 P. M. Recitation and 
study. 

Dinner at 1. Recreation until 2. 

From 2 to 4 P. M. Recitation, or study, or 
drawing. After four, military exercises for an 
hour or longer, and recreation. At sunset, 
evening parade. Supper immediately after. 
Call to quarters 30 minutes after supper. From 
that time till half-past nine, study. " TattooJ'^ 
a preparatory signal at half-past nine. Lights 
extinguished and inspection of rooms at the 
signal " Ta'ps'' at 10 P. M. 

As the studies are not pursued during the 
encampment, the hours allotted to recitations 
and study are then devoted to recreation or 
military drill, and the evenings to rHerry ma- 
king in the dancing parties and in other amuse- 
ments. 

The arrangements are such that, beside nu- 
merous inspections by the army "officer in 
charge," and the Cadet " officer of the day," 
there are at least four roll calls daily. 

The^?'5^ immediately after reveille. 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 71 

The second immediately before breakfast. 

The third immediately before dinner. 

The fourth immediately before evening pa- 
rade, and other roll calls for recitation and drill. 
If any Cadet is absent from one of these roll 
calls, unexcused and not on duty, the fact is 
immediately reported, and a careful watch kept 
until he re-appears. 

The same systematic order prevails through- 
out every thing that is done. The different 
sections march in silence to and from their re- 
citations under the charge of the best of their 
number as squad marcher. The companies 
also march to the Mess Hall '- with slow and 
solemn tread," and there take their seats in 
regular order, preserving a constant silence. 



CHAPTER XVIIL 

DRES3 PARADE. 

As the parade occurs daily, it may be well 
to give some description and explanation of the 
form of proceeding. 



72 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

At the proper time the band assembles on 
the regimental parade, and each company turns 
out under arms on its own parade for roll call 
and inspection. Soon after, the signal is given 
for the companies to march to the regimental 
parade, where they form in the order of battle, 
with the officers at their posts and the Adjutant 
on the right of the line. The senior officer 
present, usually an instructor of tactics, takes 
a position at a considerable distance in front, 
opposite the centre and facing the line. The 
Adjutant then orders the music, which is on 
his right to " beat off," when the band begin- 
ning to play march forward a few paces, then 
along the front of the line till they have passed 
the whole length, when they wheel and return 
to their former position, and give a salute. At 
this moment the flag is lowered and the even- 
ing gun fired. The roar of the cannon is 
echoed and re-echoed, as if each hill for miles 
was uttering its response to the signal, and re- 
peating the watchword to its neighbor. 

After the return of the band the Adjutant 
steps forward and commands — Attention I — 
Shoulder Arms ! — Prepare to open ranks f 
— To the rear, open order ! — March ! — 
Right — Dress ! As these commands are 
given, the ranks assume a different appearance, 
the commissioned officers all inarching forward 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. / dl 

several paces, and the non-commissioned offi- 
cers falling back in the rear. The Adjutant 
seeing the whole properly arranged and order- 
ing Front ! then marches along the front to 
the centre, faces to the right and passes eight 
or ten paces before the line of company officers, 
Avhen he comes to the right about and gives 
the word Present — Arms ! When he sees 
this executed, the officers saluting, he faces the 
commanding officer, salutes, and reports " tJie 
parade is formedP He then is ordered to 
take his post, which he does by marching 
around the rear of the commander, and stand- 
ing on his left. The commanding officer ac- 
knowledges the salute of the line by touching 
his hat, and drawing his sword commands 
Shoulder Arms ! He then adds such exercises 
as he thinks proper, concluding with Order 
Arms ! The Adjutant being then told to re- 
ceive the reports passes back to his former posi- 
tion in front of the line, and commands First 
Sergeants^ to the front ajid centre. March ! 
At the first order the first sergeant of each com- 
pany shoulders arms, marches two paces to the 
front and faces inwards. At the second com- 
mand they march to the centre of the hne and 
halt. The Adjutant then orders Fro7it — 
Face ! Report ! At the last word each in 
succession, beginning on the right, reports the 

7 



miinrwrnwi 



74 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

result of the roll call previously made on the 
company parade. These reports are usually 
in the form, " Company A. present or ac- 
counted for^''' and so on with companies B, C, 
and D. Sometimes " Two privates absent 
from Compani/ tI," is the report. 

The Adjutant again commands. First ^er- 
gcaiits, outward — Face ! To your jwsts — 
March ! and they resume their places. The 
Adjutant turning to the commanding officer, 
salutes and gives the result of the First Ser- 
geants' reports. He is then directed to read 
. his orders, and facing about he announces 
Att edition to Orders^ and reads such general 
orders as may have been communicated to 
him. These having been read, he again faces 
the commanding officer, salutes, and reports 
that the orders are read, when on an intimation 
from the commander, he faces again to the 
line, and announces The Parade is dis- 
missed* All the Officers now return their 
swords, face inwards, and close on the Adju- 
tant who takes the centre. He then gives the 
word Front — Face ! Forward — March ! 

* A writer iii Niles Register, September 1815, sayis, 
" before the parade is dismissed the companies are drawn up 
in an open square, and an evening prayer is delivered by 
the chaplain." This custom has for a long time been dis- 
pensed with, and no practice of the kind exists at present 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 75 

and they march forward with music till within 
six paces of the commanding officer, when they 
halt, and salute by raising the hand to the cap, 
remaining in that position while he communi- 
cates such instructions as he may have to give, 
or by returning the salute intimates that the 
ceremony is finished. As the officers disperse, 
the First Sergeants close the ranks of their re- 
spective companies, and march them to the 
company parades, where they are dismissed ; 
the band continuing to play until the compa- 
nies clear the regimental parade ground. 

The morning parade, at 8 A. M., during the 
encampment only, is followed by the ceremony 
of guard mounting, and is like the evening 
parade, except the firing of the cannon. 



CHAPTER XIX- 

ARNOLD AND ANDRE. 

The story of Arnold's treason and of Andre's 
capture is well known, but a repetition of the 
main points in connection with the localities of 
West Point, will not be out of place. 



76 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

In 1780, "the American army was stationed 
in the strong holds of the highlands on both 
sides of the North River. For the defence of 
this river, a fortress had been built at West 
Point, after the loss of Fort Montgomery ; and 
it was so strong and impregnable as to be 
called the Gibraltar of America. Of this post 
General Arnold solicited the command ; and 
General Washington, far from suspecting any 
sinister views in an officer who had been uni- 
formly zealous and active in the cause of his 
country, complied with the solicitation. When 
Arnold had become invested with the com- 
mand, he carried on a negotiation with Sir 
Henry Clinton, by which it was agreed that 
Arnold should make such a disposition of his 
forces as would enable the British General ef- 
fectually to surprise West Point. The agent 
employed in this negotiation was Major Andre, 
adjutant general of the British Army."* 

" General Clinton now saw a prospect before 
him, and an opening for a successful operation 
which claimed his immediate and assiduous 
care. To get possession of West Point and its 
dependent posts, with their garrisons, military 
stores, cannon, vessels, boats, and provisions, 
appeared to him an object of such vast impor- 
tance, that in attaining it no reasonable hazard 

* Holmes' Annals. 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 77 

or expense ought to be spared. In the first 
place it would bring under his control the nav- 
igable waters of Hudson's River, and in some 
degree facihtate his intercourse with the army 
in Canada, as well as essentially derange the 
communication of the Americans between the 
eastern and middle States. ****** 
It would be necessary for the Americans to 
collect and deposit in some place large maga- 
zines of provisions and military stores. Both 
from its position and its strength, West Point 
would undoubtedly be chosen for the depot of 
these supplies. On this ground alone, there- 
fore, it was an object of the greatest importance 
with the British commander to pursue any 
plan, which held out a promise to put him in 
possession of that post. Such an event would 
not only defeat the project of a combined at- 
tack, but distress both the opposing armies 
[the American and the French] to such a de- 
gree, by depriving them of supplies, that it 
would cause dissatisfaction and desertion in the 
American ranks, and excite a spirit of discon- 
tent if not of distrust among the French."* 

" To favor the communications, the Vulture, 
a British sloop of war, had been previously sta- 
tioned in the North River, as near Arnold's 
posts as could be without exciting suspicion. 

* Sparks' Life of Arnold, pages 164, 5, 6. 

7* 



Hi 



78 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

On the night of the 21st of September, a boat 
was sent from the shore to fetch Major Andre ; 
and Arnold met him at the beach, without the 
posts of both armies.* Their business not be- 
ing finished until it was too near morning for 
Andre to return to the Yulture, Arnold, telling 
him he must be concealed until the next night, 
conducted him within one of the American 
posts, where he continued with him the follow- 
ing day. The Vulture having in the mean- 
time changed her position, the boatmen refused 
to carry back Andre the next night ; and he 
could now return to New York in no other way 
than by land."t 

" The arrangements being agreed upon for 
the execution of the plot, it is understood that 
the day was also fixed. Andre was to return 
to New York, and the British troops, already 
embarked under the pretext of an expedition 
to the Chesapeake, were to be ready to ascend 
the river at a moment's warning. The post 
at West Point was to be weakened by such a 
disposition of the troops as would leave but a 
small force for its defence. As soon as it should 
be known that the British were coming up the 
river, parties were to be sent out from the gar- 

* This was some miles below West Point, on the same 
side of the river. 
1 Holmes' Annals. 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 79 

rison to the gorges in the hills, and other dis- 
tant points, under pretence, of meeting the 
enemy as they approached ; and here they 
were to remain while the British troops landed 
and marched to the garrison through different 
routes in which they would meet no opposition. 

" With an accurate plan of West Point and 
its environs, these details were easily settled. 
The general principle, which served as a basis 
of the whole manoeuvre, was, that the troops 
should be so scattered, and divided into such 
small detachments, that they could not act in 
force, and would be obliged to surrender with- 
out any effectual resistance."* 

Arnold "informed Andre, that the chain 
which was stretched across the river from West 
Point to Constitution Island, forming, when 
perfect, an effectual bar to the passage of the 
river, was now no longer an impediment. He 
had detached a link, ostensibly to have it 
mended : the smiths would not return it for 
some days ; and the two ends of the chain 
were held together by a fastening too weak to 
bear even a slight concussion. "t 

But the capture of Andre defeated the whole 
plan. On his return towards New York on 
horseback, under an assumed name, frith a 

* Spark's Life of Arnold, pages 207, 8. 
t Encyclopcfidia Americana. • 



80 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

passport from Arnold, while congratulating 
himself that he was within the limits of his 
own army, and that all danger was over, he 
was seized by a part}^ of Americans, whose 
suspicions induced them to search his dress, 
concealed in which they found the papers 
given him by Arnold. These were in Arnold's 
handwriting, and comprised full estimates of 
the forces at West Point, the details of their 
position, and accounts of the fortifications. 

Notice of the arrest of this spy was unadvi- 
sedly sent to Arnold, who received it at the very 
moment he was expecting the arrival of Gen- 
eral Washington from Hartford. He hastily 
left the breakfast table, observing that his pres- 
ence was required at West Point ; and bidding 
his wife, who had been entirely ignorant of his 
treasonable designs, farewell, he rode rapidly 
down the bank, entered a well manned barge, 
which, with much precaution, he kept always 
ready, and persuaded the boatmen to take him 
several miles down the river to the Vulture. 
His head quarters, so summarily abandoned, 
were on the east side of the river, in the " Bev- 
erly House." 

Washington soon arrived, and being told 
that Ajnold had crossed the river for a short 
time, resolved to follow and meet him at West 
Point, expecting to be received with a salute. 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 81 

He was surprised on landing just below the site 
of the present Hospital, to find that his arrival 
was unlocked for, and that Arnold had not 
been there for a day or two. On his return to 
the Beverly House, in the afternoon, the mys- 
tery was solved by the reception of new de- 
spatches, and measures were adopted to over- 
take Arnold, but he was beyond their reach. 

Andre was captured Sept. 23d, 1780. On 
the 26th he was taken to the Beverly House, 
but crossed the same day to West Point. He 
was thence carried to Tappan, the American 
head quarters, and after examination by a 
board of Washington's appointment, was exe- 
cuted on the 2d of October. His unsuccessful 
request to Washington that he might die as a 
soldier, and not as a spy, is beautifully ex- 
pressed in these lines by N. P. WilUs. 

" It is not the fear of death 

That damps my brow, 
It is not for another breath 

I ask thee now ; 
I can die with a lip unstirr'd 

And a quiet heart — 
Let but this prayer be heard 

Ere I depart. 

I can give up my mother's look — 

My sister's kiss; 
I can think of love — yet brook 

A death like this ! 



82 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

I can give up the young fame 

I burn'd to win — 
All — but the spotless name 

I glory in. 

Thine is the power to give, 

Thine to deny, 
Joy for the hour I live — 

Calmness to die. 
By all the brave should cherish, 

By my dying breath, 
I ask that I may perish 

By a soldier's death ! " 

Some of Andre's remarks are thus quoted by 
Mr. Sparks, in the words of Major Tallmadge. 
" When we left West Point for Tappan, early 
in the morning, as we passed down the Hudson 
River to King's Ferry, I placed Andre by my 
side, on the after seat of the barge. I soon 
began to make inquiries about the expected 
capture of our fortress then in full view, and 
begged him to inform me whether he was to 
have taken a part in the military attack, if 
Arnold's plan had succeeded. He instantly 
replied in the affirmative, and pointed me to a 
table of land on the west shore,* which he said 
was the spot where he should have landed at 
the head of a select corps. He then traversed 
in idea the coarse up the mountain into the 

* This must have been but a short distance below Kins- 
ley's school. 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 83 

rear of Fort Putnam, which overlooks the 
whole parade of West Point. And this he did 
with much greater exactness than I could have 
done; and as Arnold had so disposed of the 
garrison, that little or no opposition could be 
made by our troops. Major Andre supposed he 
should have reached that commanding emi- 
nence without difficulty. In such a case that 
important key of our country would have been 
theirs (the enemies') and the glory of so splen- 
did an achievement would have been his. 
The animation with which he gave the ac- 
count, 1 recollect, perfectly delighted me, for he 
seemed as if he was entering the fort sword in 
hand. To complete the climax, I next inquired 
what was to have been his reward, if he had 
succeeded. He replied that military glory was 
all he sought ; and that the thanks of the king 
were a rich reward for such an undertaking."* 

* Life of Arnold, 256, 7. 



84 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 



CHAPTER XX. 

KOSCIUSZKO. 

"Hope for a season, bade the world farewell, 
And freedom shrieked, when Kosciuszko fell." 

Thaddeus Kosciuszko was born in Po- 
land in 1756, and educated in a military- 
school at Warsaw. Having spent some time 
in France, at the expense of his prince, in the 
study of drawing and miUtary science, he sub- 
sequently came to America, with letters from 
Franklin, to perfect himself in the art of war 
and national defence. He joined the American 
army and remained in the service of the Uni- 
ted States until the end of the Revolution, 
having obtained the rank of colonel, and briga- 
dier-general, by brevet, and enjoying the friend- 
ship of Washington, to whom he was aid-de- 
camp. He was the principal engineer of the 
northern department, during the war, and exe- 
cuted the works at West Point with alacrity 
and zeal. In common with La Fayette he 
shared the honor of a connection with the So- 
ciety of the Cincinnati, they being the only 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 85 

foreigners to whom was granted an admission 
to the fraternity ; and surely this distinction 
was merited, if the objects of the Society were 
" to preserve the rights and privileges of human 
nature for which they had fought and bled ; 
to promote and cherish union and honor be- 
tween the respective states ; to perpetuate the 
remembrance of the American Revolution, as 
well as a cordial ajETection among the officers ; 
and to extend acts of beneficence to those offi- 
cers and their families, whose situation might 
require assistance." 

In 1786, Kosciuszko returned to his native 
country, and eight years after, when the Poles 
made a noble effort to recover their liberty and 
independence, became distinguished both by 
his skill as a general, and by his firm resist- 
ance to Russian oppression. In 1797 he re- 
visited America, and was received with honor. 
For his revolutionary services Congress granted 
him a pension. His death, in 1817, was occa- 
sioned by a fall with his horse from a precipice 
in Switzerland. 



86 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 



CHAPTER XXI. 



HISTORY OF WEST POINT. 



So closely is the early history of West Point 
interwoven with that of the country, and so 
few transactions of importance have happened 
here, that we must say either very much or 
very Uttle about it. The latter course will be 
pursued. Other information may be gathered 
from Washington's Letters, and from various 
biographies of military heroes. 

Forts Montgomery and Chnton, six miles 
below West Point, were taken by the enemy, 
October 6, 1777, and the fort on Constitution 
Island, opposite West Point, being deserted by 
the Americans, was demolished. When, how- 
ever, the British heard of the surrender of Bur- 
goyne at Saratoga, they retreated from their 
newly acquired possessions, and returned down 
the river. The Americans then made prepara- 
tions to resume their ground, and on December 
2, Gen. Washington wrote to Gen. Putnam, 
then in command of the Highlands to erect 
such works, (at some point,) as were necessary 
to defend and secure the river against any 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 87 

future attempts of the enemy; directing him 
also to consult Gov. Clinton, Gen. Parsons, and 
Col. Radiere. It is a matter of doubt who first 
suggested West Point as the most suitable place, 
but the earliest record is Clinton's letter to 
Washington, of the 20th December, recom- 
mending "that a strong fortress should be 
erected at West Point, opposite to Fort Con- 
stitution." In January an examination was 
made by several gentlemen, to ascertain the 
most suitable spot for the new fortifications; 
and all, except Radiere, the French engineer, 
were of opinion that West Point was the place. 
So strong was the opposition of Radiere, that 
Putnam determined to consult the Legislature 
of New- York. A committee was appointed by 
this body to survey the ground, and their unani- 
mous recommendation that West Point should 
be selected, was finally adopted. 

The operations however went on slowly for 
the first month. Gov. CUnton, whom Congress 
had requested to superintend the erection of 
the fort, had more weighty duties to attend to ; 
Gen. Putnam was obhged to be absent in Con- 
necticut ; and Gen. Parsons, the next in com- 
mand, was quite undecided how much power 
was entrusted to him. " When these doubts 
in regard to the extent of command are con- 
sidered, and also the tardy movements of the 



88 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 



engineer, in executing plans which he did not 
approve, the extreme fatigue of the service in 
the midst of winter, the privations and suffer- 
ings of the men, and the want of teams and 
other necessary aids, it is not surprising that 
very slow progress had been made. General 
McDougall took command on the 28th of 
March. Two days previously, Kosciuszko ar- 
rived, who had been appointed engineer in place 
of Radiere. From that time the works were 
pressed forward with spirit. To the scientific 
skill and sedulous application of Kosciuszko, 
the public was mainly indebted for the con- 
struction of the military defences at West 
Point." * 

In April, Gen. McDougall reported that the 
new fort (Clinton) was nearly completed, but 
to protect it; there was need to guard the heights 
above it. Accordingly the foundations of Fort 
Putnam were laid, and a name given to them 
from the general who was so much concerned 
in the fortification of the place. But it was in 
the latter part of 1779, "that the strong works 
at West Point and its vicinity were chiefly 
constructed. Part of the time two thousand 
five hundred men were daily on fatigue duty."t 

August 3d, 1780, was the date of Arnold's 

* Spark's Writings of Washington, vol. 5, p. 282. 
t Ibid. 6, 204. 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 89 

appointment to the command of West Point, 
and the next month revealed the enormities of 
his plansj frustrated by an overruhng Provi- 
dence. Immediately after the discovery of tliis 
plot, measures were taken for the security of 
the post, but no attack was made upon it. 

During the war, West Point was considered 
the keystone of the country, and it was abun- 
dantly supplied with all the means of defence 
that our resources could supply. After the 
peace it was still regarded as a post of great 
importance, and on this account was purchased 
by the United States. 

In 1794, repairs were commenced on Fort 
Putnam, with a view to render it a perfect for- 
tification, but they were suspended for want of 
funds. The works have since been much mu- 
tilated and deprived of their former glory. 



90 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY ACADEMY J AND ITS 
PRESENT CONDITION. 

Op the history of the Mihtary Academy, we 
deem it necessary to give only a general out- 
line ; minute details would occupy too much 
space for our hmits. As a summary of the 
approbation bestowed upon the Academy, Col. 
Johnson's report to Congress in 1834, says, 
The Committee " have shown the correctly 
balanced mind of Washington passing from 
doubt to assured conviction, upon the ques- 
tion of its constitutionality ; the philosophic 
mind of Jefferson, whose biasses were ever 
against free constructions, relinquishing the 
confident opinion he had expressed in the 
negative upon the same question, and pro- 
posing an enlargement of the institution ; the 
clearly discriminating mind of Madison, exert- 
ing its great powers to perpetuate the existing, 
and create new establishments, unshackled by 
a doubt of the constitutional authority of the 
Government, and his example imitated by his 
friend and successor. They have shown the 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 91 

recognition by Congress of the soundness of the 
principle upon which these institutions are 
based, in the acts of 1794 and 1798 ; the dis- 
tinct and not to be mistaken expression of the 
conviction of the same body, of their power, 
and of the expediency of exercising their power 
to estabhsh a mihtary academy, in the act of 
1802 ; and this, too, after the projet of such an 
institution had been fully developed, in all its 
extent, in the official report of 1800, and had 
been two years open for their consideration, 
and the consideration of their constituents ; and 
lastly, they have shown an unbroken series of 
legislative enactments for the support and ex- 
tension of the Academy, running through a 
period of nearly twenty years, and the failure 
of the attempts which have been made to in- 
duce an opposite course of legislation. In the 
apprehension of the committee, it will be diffi- 
cult to find, in the recorded history of the coun- 
try, a question upon which public sentiment has 
been more fully and fairly tested, and has been 
more unanimous."* 

Hardly had the war of the Revolution termi- 
nated, when it became a matter of discussion, 
how the country might be best prepared for 
defence, without the evils of a standing army ; 

* Johnson's Report, p. 9. 



92 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

and after mature deliberation, Washington ven- 
tured to propose to Congress in 1793, the 
estabhshment of a school of instruction for ju- 
nior officers. Some measures were taken in 
accordance with his advice, but the institution 
did not have a fixed habitation and a name 
until the act of March 16th, 1802, which pro- 
vided for the establishment, support, and gov- 
ernment of a Military Academy at West Point, 
to consist of not more than ten officers of the 
engineer corps, and as many cadets. The offi- 
cers, however, were liable to be called away on 
duty at any moment. In the following year 
the appointment of a teacher of French, and a 
teacher of drawing added much to the useful- 
ness of the school; but the Institution remained 
in embryo, until in measures preparatory to the 
war, the act of 1812 was passed, giving it life 
and energy. This declares " that the Military 
Academy shall consist of the corps of engineers, 
and the following professors and assistants, in 
addition to the teachers of French and of Draw- 
ing already provided for ; viz. a professor of 
experimental and natural philosophy; a pro- 
fessor of mathematics ; a professor of the art 
of engineering ; with an assistant for each. A 
chaplain was also to be appointed, and required 
to officiate as professor of geograpliy, ethics, 
and history. The number of cadets was limited 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 93 

to 260 ; the pre-requisites for admission, the term 
of study and service, and the rate of pay and 
emoluments, were prescribed." * 

The foundations of three new buildings were 
immediately laid, and from that time to the 
present; the Academy has been increasing in 
advantages, and in reputation. 

The longest and perhaps the most prosperous 
administration of the Academy was that of 
Colonel Thayer from 1817 to 1 833. An early 
graduate of ihe Institution, he had borne a con- 
spicuous part in the late war, (for which he 
was breveted a major,) and by a visit to the 
military schools of France, had acquired know- 
ledge and experience which w^ere found useful 
when applied to this post. His successor. Major 
De Russy, remained five years, and in 1838 was 
succeeded by Major Delafield, who still dis- 
charges the duties of the station. 

During the presidential term of Mr. Adams, 
Mr. Barbour, then Secretary of War, introduced 
the plan of having annually a Board of citizens, 
convened from every part of the United States, 
who should spend at least a fortnight in June, 
in attendance upon the examination, and in a 
thorough inspection of the Academy. They 
were " requested to report upon the actual state 
and progress of the Institution, and to make 

* Johnson's Report, p. 7. 



94 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

such suggestions for its improvement as they 
might deem necessary." This system was con- 
tinued until the year 1843, when, on account of 
the expense, it was so modified that a board of 
officers alone assembled at the Academy. The 
reports of these Boards abound in commenda- 
tions, and in general express the highest de- 
gree of satisfaction and their cordial approval 
of the Institution ; and though much allow- 
ance is to be made for the very flattering circum- 
stances in which the visiters were placed, and 
for the brief acquaintance they had with the 
Academy, it is not to be presumed that men 
of such intelligence and discernment as they 
generally were, would have bestowed such re- 
peated praise were there insufficient grounds 
for it. They offered also many suggestions, 
some of which seem to have been adopted, 
while others are yet under consideration. Gov. 
Cass, in 1835, says, "these annual examina- 
tions by a body of highly respectable citizens, 
called from various parts of the country, are 
not only useful as checks upon any improper 
tendency, to which all public establishments 
are more or less liable, but they are satisfactory, 
when they bear testimony to the value of the 
system, and to the correctness of its administra- 
tion."* 

* Documents with President's Message, 1835. 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 95 

In 1824, Congress appropriated $10,000 to 
purchase the Gridley Farm, so called, including 
the ruins of Fort Putnam. The farm house, 
which had been used as a tavern, was removed 
to make way for the Hospital. 

By an act dated March 2, 1826, the State 
of New York ceded the jurisdiction of 250 
acres of land to the United States, reserving to 
itself however the right of serving process in 
civil and criminal cases upon the ceded terri- 
tory. This grant includes but a small part of 
the property owned by the United States, and 
the remainder continues under the State gov- 
ernment. 

In 1834, a number of protests were attached 
to the main report of the visiters, and a spirit 
of dissent seemed to prevail. In 1 840, two re- 
ports were presented, that of the minority being 
in bitter opposition to the Institution. 

In 1838, a large building, containing the 
library, apparatus and models, was burnt down, 
but its contents were mostly saved, and the 
subsequent erection of two fine stone buildings 
has furnished room for the accommodation of 
the apparatus and books. The erection of a 
new building for the Cadets' barracks, has 
been strenuously urged for some years, but suf- 
ficient appropriations have not yet been made 
by Congress. The buildings at present in use 



96 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

are inconvenient and uncomfortable; tliey con- 
tain but 96 rooms for the accommodation of 
237 Cadets, and the consequence is that from 
two to five persons are crowded into one apart- 
ment, which must answer the purposes of a 
sitting room, bed room, and study. The rooms 
in the south barrack, about 12 feet square, are 
scarcely sufficient for one individual, and have 
the disadvantage of opening directly into the 
outer air. They are said to be cold and com- 
fortless in winter, and badly ventilated in sum- 
mer. 

In 1839, Col. Totten reported that a course 
of instruction in riding and the cavalry drill 
was commenced, which met with entire suc- 
cess. The use of the horses in the artillery 
movements, also, gave to that an animation 
and interest it had not before possessed. The 
drawing of the cannon by hand had been very 
laborious to the Cadets, and after repeated soli- 
citations, a body of horses was furnished for 
double use, in cavalry and artillery. 

Of the actual condition of the Academy, 
Secretary Porter says, " the MiHtary Academy 
at West Point, exhibits continued evidence of 
improvement in the course of instruction ; and 
the academic board are endeavoring to keep 
pace, in their system, with the advances which 
science is making in all parts of the world. It 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 97 

continues annually to graduate a number of 
young gentlemen, taught, at the public expense^ 
those branches of science, which are deemed 
essential to military operations." * 

Col. Totten, chief engineer, also says, " I was 
careful to visit and examine each department 
of the Academy, looking into every thing with 
as close a scrutiny as it was in my power to 
exercise, and it gives me great pleasure to re- 
port to you that I found the Academy in a con- 
dition not less prosperous, and not less fully 
answering the designs of its establishment, than 
at any previous period ; discipline, order, and 
harmony prevailed throughout, and as per- 
fectly, perhaps, as belongs to human associa- 
tions. * * * There is from year to year an 
increase in the amount, or an improvement in 
the character of the knowledge communicated, 
resulting from the experience of the Institution 
itself. The fact of this progress is evident on 
comparing periods a few years distant from 
each other ; and is a natural result, on the one 
hand, of the zeal, ability, and devotion that 
have been unceasingly applied to the manage- 
ment and instruction ; and on the other, of the 
steady adherence to safe and wise principles. 
For more than twenty-five years that the Insti- 
tution has been thus rising from its second 

* Message of the President, 1843, pp. 54, 55. 
9 



98 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

birth, no change has been grafted on its code 
of discipUne or course of study that has not 
been the growth of its own experience. And 
by the force of this wise and cautious process, 
it has been continually developing new capaci- 
ties and new fruits of self-cultivation. By con- 
tinued adherence to this course, we may confi- 
dently look for all the improvement that the 
future can bring forth." * 



CHAPTER XXIII.t 

STATISTICS OF GRADUATES. 

The whole number of Cadets admitted to 
the Academy from its estabhshment to January 
1, 1844, is 2,942. 

The number of graduates at that date 1,206 
Number graduated June, 1844 - 25 

Total, 1,231 
From April 29, 1812 to January 29, 1844, 
the whole number of graduates was 1,118. 

* President's Message, 1843. pp. 119, 120. 

t Compiled from official reports in January, 1844. 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 99 

Of these, there resigned within a year 

of their graduation, - - - 61 
after more than a year from graduating, 323 
dechned commissions in the army - 6 
were disbanded, dropped, or dismissed 33 
were killed in action - - - 11 

died in service - - - - - 147 
are now in service, (including five pro- 
fessors) - - - - - 537 
The whole number of graduates in military 
service is 542, including 4 colonels, 6 lieuten- 
ant-colonels, 11 majors, 139 captains, 170 first 
lieutenants, 131 second lieutenants, 70 brevet 
second lieutenants, 5 paymasters, 1 military 
storekeeper, 5 professors. 

The whole number of army officers is 716, 
mcluding 174 appointed from civil life. 

Of the 88 who graduated before 1812, nine 
fell in action during the war of 1812 ; 5 now 
remain in the service, and the remainder have 
died in service or left the army. 

The number of those killed in action may 
appear small, but it must be remembered that 
we have had very few battles, and that in the 
Florida war especially exposure and hardships 
made more havoc than the enemy. " War," 
says Dr. Johnson, " has means of destruction 
more formidable than the cannon or the sword. 
By incommodious encampments and unwhole- 



100 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

some stations, where courage is useless and 
enterprise is impracticable, fleets aie silently 
dispeopled, and armies sluggishl}!- melted 
away." 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

STATISTICS OF EXPENDITURES. 

From the establishment of the Academy 
until the 30th of June, 1844, the aggregate 
amounts appropriated to defray its expenses, are 
For ground, buildings, roads, 

library, apparatus, models, 

minerals, &c., &c. - - $711,399 88 
For pay and subsistence of 

officers, professors, teachers, 

and Cadets ; fuel, postage, 

Boards of Visiters, and for 

other contingent and inci- 
dental expenses - - 3,291,501 27 



Total expenditure, $4,002,901 15 
Dividing the amount of incidental expenses 
291,500) by the number of graduated offi- 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 101 

cers, (1,231,) each officer has been educated at 
the expense of $2,674. 

Another way of estimating the present out- 
lay for each graduate, is to add to $100,000, 
(the average annual expenditure at this time,) 
$49,000 the interest on the fixed capital in- 
vested in buildings, &c., and divide the num- 
ber by 40, the average number of graduates. 
This calculation gives $3,725 as the expense 
for each Cadet who enters the army. 

These estimates may appear large, but the 
expenditure is far more useful and economical 
than many that have been made of public 
money. It is said, (on good authority,) that 
though all the disbursements for military opera- 
tions, amounting to two or three millions of 
dollars annually, are made by army officers, 
in not a single case has a graduate of the 
Academy proved a defaulter to the amount of 
a dollar ; whereas in the Florida war alone, 
hundreds of thousands were lost by the dis- 
honesty of officers appointed from civil life. 
Hence the enormous expense of that war, and 
the actual loss of a sum sufficient to support 
the Academy for ten or twelve years. 



102 GUIDE TO WEST POINT, 



CHAPTER XXV. 



OFFICERS AT WEST POINT. 

ACADEMIC STAFF. 

Vear of 
graduation. 

1818 Richard Delafield, Major of Engineers, Superin- 

dent and Commandant. 
1823 Dennis H. Mahan, A. M., Professor of Civil and 

Military Engineering. 

1841 H. G. Wright, 2d Lieut, of Engineers, Assistant 

Professor. 

1842 John Newton, 2d Lieut, of Engineers, Acting As- 

sistant Professor. 

1842 William S. Rosecrans, 2d Lieut, of Engineers, Act- 
ing Assistant Professor. 

1830 Alexander J. Swift, Captain of Engineers, In- 
structor of Practical Engineering. 

1825 William H. C. Bartlett, A. M., Professor of 
Natural and Experimental Philosophy, 

1835 Joseph Roberts, 1st Lieut. 4th Art., Assistant Pro- 
fessor. 

1840 William Gilham, 1st Lieut. 3d Art., Acting Assist- 
ant Professor. 

1828 Albert E. Church, A. M., Professor of Mathe- 
matics. 

1837 Israel Vogdes, 1st Lieut. 1st Art., Assistant 
Professor. 

1835 Weightman K. Hanson, 1st Lieut, and Bvt. Capt. 
7th Inf., Acting Assistant Professor. 

1840 Francis N. Clark, 2d Lieut. 4th Art., Acting 
Assistant Professor. 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 103 

Year of 
graduation. 

1841 Albion P. Howe, 2d Lieut. 4th Art., Acting Assist- 
ant Professor. 

1841 Harvey A. Allen, 2d Lieut. 2d Art., Acting Assist- 

ant Professor. 

1842 Alexander P. Stewart, 2d Lieut. 3d Art,, Acting 

Assistant Professor. 

1832 Jacob W. Bailey, A. M., Professor of Chemistry, 

Mineralogy, and Geology. 
1835 Henry L. Kendrick, 1st Lieut. 2d Art., Assistant 

Professor. 
1826 Rev. M. P. Parks, Chaplain and Professor of Ethics. 

1837 Eliakim p. Scammon, 2d Lieut. Top. Engineers, As- 

sistant Professor. 
1842 Richard W. Johnston, 2d Lieut. 3 Art., Acting 
Assistant Professor. 
Claudius Berard, ) Teachers of the French Lan- 
H. R. Agnel, \ g■^iag■e. 

T. D'Oremieulx, 2d Lieut. 1st Inf., Acting Teacher 
RoBT. W. Weir, N. A. Teacher of Drawing. 
1834 Richard S. Smith, 2d Leut.Tth Inf., Acting Teacher. 
1829 Miner Knowlton, 1st Lieut. 1st Art., Instructor of 
Artillery and Cavalry. 

1833 J. Addison Thomas, Capt. 3d Art., Commandant of 

Cadets and Instructor of Infantry Tactics. 

1838 Robert S. Granger, 1st Lieut. 1st Inf., Assistant 

Instructor. 

1839 Henry S. Burton, 1st Lieut. 3d Art., Assistant 

Instructor. 

1839 Lucius H. Allen, 2d Lieut. 2d Art., Assistant In- 
structor. 

1841 Robert S. Garnett, 2d Lieut. 4th Art., Assistant 
Instructor. 
H. R. Hershberger, Instructor of Riding. 



104 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

MILITARY STAFF. 

Year of 
graduation. 

1838 Irvin McDowell, 1st Lieut. 1st Art., Adjutant of 

the Academy and Secretary of the Academic 

Board. 

1838 Henry C. Wayne, 1st Lieut. 1st Art; Assistant Com. 

and Quarter Master. 

1815 Charles Davies, Paymaster and Treasurer of the 

Academy. 

Walter V. Wheaton, Surgeon. 

Charles M. Hitchcock, M. D., Assistant Surgeon, 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 



105 



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Military Engineering. — Treatise on Field Fortification, 
do Lithographic Notes on Perma- 
nent Fortification, Attack and Defence, Mines and 
other accessories. Composition of Armies, Strategy, &c. 

Civil Engineering. — Course of Civil Engineering. Litho- 
graphic Notes on Architecture, Stone Cutting and 
Machines, 


Blair's Rhetoric, Wayland's Elements of Moral Science 
abridged. Kent's Commentaries, Hedge's Elements 
of Logic. 


Rules and Regulations for the Exercise and Manoeuvres 
of the United States' Infantry, 


U. S. Artillery Tactics. Kinsley's Pyrotechny. Thi- 
roux's Instruction Theoretique et Practique d'Artille- 
rie. Knowlton's Notes on Gunpowder, Percussion 
Powder, Cannon and Projectiles. 


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GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 107 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

DIFFERENT OPINIONS CONCERNING THE ACADEMY, 

Much opposition has been felt to the MiH- 
tary Academy arising from various causes and 
expressed in different ways. State Legislatures 
have passed resolutions condemning the prin- 
ciples and practice of the whole system. Com- 
mittees in Congress have considered the subject 
in every light. Petitions have been sent from 
various sources praying for the abolition of the 
Institution. But still it stands and is destined 
to stand for good or evil. 

Some, (many, it is presumed,) have unrea- 
sonable prejudices against the Academy, arising 
from ignorance of its true character ; others 
oppose it from disappointed expectations, or 
persuaded by the bitter hostility of those who 
are supposed to understand the whole matter ; 
others, from that leveling system which would 
break down every literary, every scientific 
fabric in society, and reduce all to the chaotic 
state of ignorance ; and others still see some 
evils that really exist. For ourselves, so vast 



108 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

is the subject, so great and intricate its influence, 
that it is unbecoming to decide hastily upon 
the various questions, and we prefer to present 
very briefly the objections brought against the 
Academy, and the rephes of its friends. For 
farther information the reader is referred to the 
Congressional reports of Col. R. M. Johnson, 
in 1834, and of Hon. F. O. J. Smith, in 1837; 
to Park's Histor}^ of West Point, and to the 
annual reports of the Boards of Visiters. 

It is objected that the Cadets form no part 
of the effective military force of the govern- 
ment ; that they are educated gratuitously at 
the public expense, and with an enormous out- 
lay ; that when educated they make no ade- 
quate return, even if they enter the service, 
and that too large a number for the wants of 
the public are graduated ; that the power and 
duty of instituting seminaries of learning be- 
long to the States and are improperly exercised 
by Congress. Objections are also made against 
the method of appointment, the exclusiveness 
of the Institution, and the want of moral power 
and influence over the Cadets. 

These replies are made. The Cadets are in 
fact in the military service, and are so recog- 
nised by iaw'. If needed for action they are 
ready and competent to enter the field at any 
moment; and in their present situation, they 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 109 

are young officers preparing themselves for 
duty. The "gratuitous education" is but a 
salary for their services, and in return for this 
they bind theniseh^es to serve in the army at 
least four years after graduating, and this term 
may if necessary be increased by Congress. 

Though Congress may not properly estab- 
lish a system of common school instruction to 
extend througli the whole country, it is claimed 
to have the power of estabhshing places of in- 
struction for such as are needed in the army 
and navy. And if a few must be educated in 
this way the additional expense of an increased 
number is trifling compared with the advan- 
tages. Indeed, the question has been agitated, 
and is worthy of consideration, whether the 
character of the Institution should not be so 
modified as to admit any number of young 
men, not designing to enter the army, to be 
educated at a trifling expense, in a partial or 
complete course. 

The incidental benefits of the Academy to 
the country are not small. Although the stu- 
dies pursued are not the best adapted as a pre- 
paration for other professions than the military, 
a few of the graduates have become conspicuous 
in literary institutions, and many have been of 
great pubhc advantage as accomplished civil 
engineers. But chiefly in its eflfects upon the 

10 



110 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

army has the Academy been of service. Tbe 
application of science to military operations is 
especially desirable, and has ever been attended 
with advantage. The character of the army 
must always be dependent upon the reputation 
of its officers ; and the best state of preparation 
for national defence, without the evil of a stand- 
ing army, can be attained by sending out from 
time to time numbers of well educated men, 
competent to take command in the army, or 
in the militia of their several States. 

In regard to the expenses of the Institution, 
it is doubtful v.hether more economy could in 
any way be practised in its management, and 
almost certain that officers as accomplislied 
could be introduced into the service in no other 
way with less expense. 

The method of appointing the Cadets can 
hardly be objected to when fully understood. 
Each Cons^ressional district is entitled to a 
Cadet, and the selection depends almost en- 
tirely upon the representative from the district, 
his selection from among the applicants being 
in general approved by the Secretary of War. 
Beside these the President has the power of 
appointing ten at large each year.* Though 

* The number of Cadets is limited to the number of repre- 
sentatives and delegates in Congress — with one from the 
District of Columbia, and ten at large — making 237 in all. 



GUIDE TO WEST POINT. Ill 

favoritism may sometimes be exercised, it is 
likely to occur in all government appointments, 
and would influence the selection of officers if 
there were no Academy. But the present plan 
is as just as any which could be devised. In 
tbeor}^, at least, no respect is paid to aristocracy ; 
the rich and poor stand on common ground, 
and after entering the Institution, they can 
purchase no favor by wealth or influence. 

A more serious objection in the minds of 
some is the moral effect of the Institution. 
They say that the spirit of war is inconsistent 
with the spirit of the gospel, and it is lamenta- 
ble that the maxim should be so forcibly illus- 
trated in this seminary ; that the entire neglect 
of a daily public recognition of the existence 
of .a Supreme Ruler, the high handed violation 
of the Sabbath in the inspection of the whole 
corps, and in the parades with martial music, 
and the excessive ambition that is fostered, 
may well excite apprehension for the influence 
exerted on those who are in the Academy. 
Military discipline, it is admitted, does much in 
respect to the outward conduct, but it makes, 
for the time being at least, slaves, not men — • 
too much so, for a country like ours. Its des- 
potism looks not to moral influence for aid, and 
till it does it must be unsuccessful. 

To this, when any reply is made, it is said, 



112 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 

that the Sabbath parade at West Point, is far 
different from the same show elsewhere ; it is 
a regular routine, and no novelty ; a mere mat- 
ter of course, that need not divert the minds of 
those engaged in it from the most devout 
meditations ; the Cadets are as well fitted in 
mind and body to attend church after it, as if 
they had spent the hour or two hours in their 
rooms. Some years since the trial was made 
of dispensing with the Sabbath display, and 
the result was that indolence and negligence 
were encouraged, and the morning was wasted 
in idleness or in dissipation. Again, it is said 
that for five years past the character of the 
corps has been improving; morality has gained 
a strong foothold, and in general conduct the 
Cadets may be favorably compared with almost 
any body of students in the country ; and the 
subsequent career of those who have graduated; 
is appealed to as good evidence of the beneficial 
effects of the Institution. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




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